Since my last post I have either been getting ready for, or trying to keep up with the MOOC, “The Bible’s Prehistory, Purpose and Future” (Coursera & Emory University.)  It is excellent.

The MOOC is an opportunity to re-read the Instructor’s book, David, King of Israel and Caleb in Biblical Memory by Jacob L. Wright alongside other books and materials which provide needed context.  It’s a little humbling to read my first post on the subject of Wright’s book. Suffice it to say, the first time I read it, I did not get it. I get it much better now, and I think a third reading will be in order. It is very challenging, and very rewarding.  As I read I am reminded of Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza’s In Memory of Her: maybe because neither is easy to read, maybe because both change the way I think about scripture.  There is a place for both the iTunes version and the paperback. I am glad I have both.

Here is an interview with Prof. Wright that I found on Alan Brill’s blog, The Book of Doctrines and Opinions: Notes on Jewish Theology and Spirituality (August 2013.) I found it helpful.