"In the Beginning..." - An Introduction to the Old Testament
This class of five 90-120 minute sessions gives an overview of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and looks at the first five books of the Bible (the Pentateuch) in more depth.
Have you always wanted to read the Bible but felt daunted because you didn’t know where – or how – to begin? This class will shed light on this (sometimes) confusing book as we read from and discuss the first five books of the Bible.
The class includes power point presentations, handouts, and some class discussion.
Have you always wanted to read the Bible but felt daunted because you didn’t know where – or how – to begin? This class will shed light on this (sometimes) confusing book as we read from and discuss the first five books of the Bible.
The class includes power point presentations, handouts, and some class discussion.
Sample Announcements
Have you always wanted to read the Bible but felt daunted because you didn’t know where – or how – to begin? Then join us for a five week scripture series that will shed light on this (sometimes) confusing book as we read from and discuss the first five books of the Bible... Did you know that the Old Testament (the Torah) was Jesus’ Bible? Join us for an introduction to these scriptures that Jesus knew and quoted from so often... |
Are you one of those people who has tried to read the Bible all the way through on your own but you soon quit because you got bored, frustrated, or just plain confused? If so, then the upcoming scripture series might be for you. After giving an overview of the Old Testament we’ll read from and learn about the first five books of the Bible. |
Feedback From Past Participants
I liked the stories and discussions with the class. I am a novice with learning about the Bible. It is good to start my journey. Ann is so knowledgable. The whole presentation was excellent. I learned a great deal. I was impressed by Ann's knowledge of the subject matter. She made the class so interesting and rewarding. Ann is extremely knowledgable about the Bible and has an intelligent yet gentle way of teaching that is really enjoyable. I was grateful for the openness in which the "true but not factual" belief of the Catholic Church was introduced the first night... and that we should be "taking the Bible seriously but not literally." I affirms my beliefs of a greater God that goes beyond those years referred to in the BIble. It was helpful to know who wrote what and why! I loved the inclusiveness with which Ann teaches... no question is ignored and all questions are answered directly and honestly. I enjoyed the opportunity to read Scripture in a guided format, which goes well beyond snippets we get on Sunday. The class was a wonderful introduction to the Old Testament. I liked the open discussions -- feedback from all of us. I felt like we were all involved in the class! I learned that there are many interesting stories in the Bible. I learned so much more than I knew. |
I enjoyed actually reading the Old Testament objectively, making friends and making peace with the Old Testament, and hearing different perspectives on it. Excellent instructor! It made reading the Bible enjoyable. I've gotten so much out of this class, but I feel I've only scratched the surface as far as my knowledge of the Bible! Ann has so much knowledge at her fingertips... it's terrific! I appreciated Ann's openness to discussion, willingness to research people's questions, and the organization of material (oral, Powerpoint, and handouts). Excellent preparation of thought-provoking material shows your extensive preparation, knowledge, and open mindedness. I enjoyed the informal, relaxed nature of the class. Ann is very knowledgable on the Bible. The handouts were very helpful. Very well done. Adult education of Catholics is very important and this was a wonderful tool. I appreciated the breadth of the class, and your willingness to say, "We don't know." Excellent handouts and presentation. I was never exposed to the Old Testament, since we never studied it in Catholic school. Since we talk about the Bible and refer to it sometimes in daily life, it should be part of our overall education. I enjoyed the content and the presentation of class material. |
About the Instructor
Ann Naffziger holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley and a Master of Arts in Biblical Languages from the Graduate Theological Union. She has has written articles on spirituality and theology for several national publications and edited several books on the Hebrew Scriptures. She has served parishes as a director of faith formation and as a director of R.C.I.A. She is currently a lecturer at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, a scripture instructor, a spiritual director, and a regular columnist for BustedHalo.com.
Learn More
Contact us for questions or to schedule this class.