History of the Bible ST, WT *

The Christian Bible is the best-selling book of all time, but also a text with complicated history. Beginning with an overview of book production in the ancient world, we will chart the historical development of the Bible as a physical text and a sacred object. We will explore the origins of the Bible's texts, including apocryphal works and non-western variations on the canon. We will examine different frameworks employed in the history of biblical interpretation, from allegorical and typological readings to the Reformation doctrine of sola scriptura. Finally, we will consider the rise of the King James Bible and its influence on Anglo-American culture and Christian missions. (RELI 0130, RELI 0180, or waiver) 3 hrs. sem.