THEO 5375 The Resurrection of the Author: Heschel's Biblical Interpretation

Abraham Joshua Heschel (19071972) is best known as a public philosopher, civil rights activist, and pioneer of interreligious dialogue. This course, however, approaches his book The Prophets (1962) primarily as a work of biblical interpretation. We will ask: How does Heschel read the prophets? What view of the Bible and of the interpreter guides his approach? And how does this method shape his later interreligious thought and engagement? Through close reading and discussion, students will explore Heschels distinctive way of interpreting the Bible and its relevance for modern religious thought. No prior background required.