General Introduction to Sacred Scripture

Gerrit Dou, Old Woman Reading, 1631-1632, (Riksmuseum - Amsterdam)

Course presentation sessions

 Student presentation
 Presentation of the course program 
 The management of the Moodle platform and its use
  Viewing exercise: getting started in the dialogue with the Bible
  First approach to the Bible: structure, division and modes of citation
  First approach to biblical studies: areas, biblical disciplines and approaches.

 4.-Viewing exercise: starting in the dialogue with the Bible

The images are used as a resource that serves as a parallel to the texts. The reactions
we have "looking at an image" are similar to those of reading texts.

1.- Viewing in silence

2.- Second viewing sharing the reactions

 There are images that are not identified or are not understood
 There are images that do not like
 The reactions of the spectators are very different (fear, confidence, ...)
complementary, contradictory?
 The sharing of the companions helps us to perceive details that had been seen.

3.- Third viewing with conclusions

John Reilly (1928-2010), Resurrection

Abstract image divided into two planes. The one on the right shows the crucifixion
and the one on the left the resurrection.

This is appreciated through the use of light.

Theologically the painter clearly represents that the two moments are closely
connected. They cannot be separated from each other.
Life illuminates even the crucifixion part. It is the pinnacle of revelation.

 One student looked only at the crucifixion - be careful because when we read
we can only look at one part.
 A student showed how the same elements are in the two parts of the image: dry
branch, living branch.
 Another student noticed the disciples, are they Juan and María? Are they from
Emmaus?

Henry Ossawa Tanner (1859-1937), Daniel in the lions' den.

This is an image that has been difficult to identify. The reason is the ignorance of
Daniel's story.

Reactions were mixed.

A student was afraid of lions

Another student was moved by the peace of the prophet, by the light that illuminates
his face.

We tend to discard little-known texts or those that pose difficulties for us.

You have to give them time and look at the details.

The passage from Daniel and the painting want to convey how trust in God gives
peace in the face of difficulties. Whoever trusts in him “tames the beasts”.

The story of Daniel is taken up by the first Christians as an anticipation (type) of the
characteristics of Christ.

The prophet Elijah and the widow of Sarepta

The image was difficult to identify. You have to look at the characters, what they are
carrying, the conversation…. and to listen to colleagues.

It is very difficult to identify what is not known.

The group is necessary for the theological journey.

The three characters also recall the Sagrada Familia.

The prophet's staff, the water bowl and the basin are the keys to the story.
Importance of dialogue between biblical characters.

The first reaction to this image has been one of rejection. Its aesthetics and the break
with the previous ones dislodge us.

She looks like a haughty woman

It has not been identified.

María Magdalena reading, Prado Museum.

There are biblical stories and characters that we have internalized in a concrete
way. When another interpretation or vision is given, they dislodge, but open new
avenues.

Importance of the Tradition that preserves visions that are not the majority today.

James Tissot, The Return of the Prodigal Son, s. XIX

The embrace between two men makes it possible to identify the scene.

The environment is new and collides with our imaginary

Throughout history there is a constant process of inculturation of biblical texts.

It is normal that over time elements that are not from the original text are introduced
(such as the wife of the eldest son)

The Bible transmits human universals that remain valid throughout all time.

Anonymous, María reading, Prado Museum, s. XV

The image has generated some controversy.

It was not possible to identify her, because we do not internalize the image of Mary in
that way.

Her clothes seem too rich for her.

Each time has a very specific way of transmitting elements that are in the texts or
tradition. In this case, Mary as a model of wisdom, as a queen, as an important
woman….
This photocomposition articulates the old (Michelangelo's Pietà) and the new (the
photograph of a war). In it there are identifiable elements (Pieta) but updated: Mary is
replaced by a man, but the pain for the death of the son is the same.

Biblical texts and stories must be updated in a continuous process of updating. The

new is articulated with tradition. The Word must be meaningful for today.

Task: Write a short text in which you express:

What have I learned from this practice

What are the most important conclusions

What new questions arise for me

The conclusions will be presented in class

 5 -First approach to the Bible: structure,

division and modes of citation
Components of a biblical page
What's more:

1.- reference to the book, chapter and verses

2.- Page number

6.- Approaches to the study / knowledge of

the Bible
Individual

Group

Read frequently and learn the best you can. May the dream surprise you while you
hold the codex in your hands and may the sacred page receive your face defeated by
sleep "
St Geronimo,

Ep 22.17

Rembrandt, The Prophetess Anna , 1631, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam