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In this lecture, we will start to look at the Bible as a cultural text - what meaning does the Bible have in contemporary culture? How is it read by different groups and communities? What power does it continue to have in an increasingly secular world? We will consider the ways that the Bible shapes and is shaped by the cultural contexts in which it is located - its function as a 'cultural prop' to address social, cultural and political concerns.

We will also think about the way that the Bible has become a commodity in contemporary culture, a product that is sold and packaged in order to appeal to a wider audience. How does that impact the relevance of the Bible to its readers? And how do we make sense of the Bible as a part of popular culture?

See the week 2 Module for slides and handouts etc.

Some short but informative readings for this week:

How Was the Bible Written and Transmitted? - Brennan Breed

Is the Bible Historical? - Carol Meyers

What is the Difference between the Old Testament, the Tanakh, and the Hebrew Bible? Amy-Jill Levine