The Literature of the Bible
The study of the Bible, not from a theological or critical point of view but from that which is solely literary, makes a fascinating subject for clubs. Many distinguished writers have treated it in this way, and by using their books in connection with the suggested Bible readings clubs will find a year all too short to do justice to the subject.
I—THE BEGINNINGS
The first meeting will be on the Creation, with three main topics for papers,—the Creation narrative, the idyl of the Garden of Eden and the entrance of sin,—with readings from Genesis to illustrate each point. The emphasis should be laid on the simplicity, dignity, and naïveté of these early chapters, and their high literary value as a poetic attempt to describe the origin of the world. Compare with this Hebrew account that found in the Babylonian myths on the clay tablets discovered in the ruins of Nineveh, and also the Chaldean account of the victory of their chief god Marduk over chaos. These will be found in "The Religion of the Babylonians and Assyrians," by Morris Jastrow, Jr. (Ginn & Co.). Read these, and also Milton's account in "Paradise Lost."
The next meeting should take up the leading men of early times, beginning with Noah.
Notice the recurrence of the story of the Flood in the primitive legends of many lands. Look up the Deucalion story in Greek mythology, and see the Hindu, Australian, and American Indian myths on this point, and read the translation of the Chaldean account of the Deluge. The period closes with the story of the Tower of Babel, which is to be read from the Bible.
A study of the Patriarchs follows next. Abraham's life should be read, wholly or in part, and a picture should be drawn of him as a wealthy Oriental, pastoral chief, and the immense importance of his character in the thought of Jews, Moslems, and Christians. Select and read some of the traditions embedded in the Koran.
To introduce the topic of Isaac read first the charming love story of the wooing of Rebekah. Then read the story of the selling of Esau's birthright, and Jacob's dream. Compare the characters of the brothers.
The most complete story in the Bible from a literary standpoint is that of Joseph. After the description of his childhood give the outline of his earlier dreams and their result, his life in Egypt and his prison dreams, his release, the visit of his family, and his later life. This will all lead up to the topic of the next meeting.