What is the Bible Long ago God spoke

What is the Bible? Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. Hebrews 1: 1 -2 (NRSV)

What is the Bible? It’s our reading listening material Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. Hebrews 1: 1 -2 (NRSV)

Text Culture vs. Oral Culture Literacy = basic life skill Literacy = specialized skill Trust documentation Trust eyewitnesses & authority figures Learn by reading, researching Learn by hearing, repetition Record and reference Memorize and recite Reading is private Hearing is corporate

God’s Word was preserved in three ways: Formal Worship Archives Informal Oral Tradition

Kenneth Bailey: “Informal Controlled Oral Tradition” - Village gathering - Preserve their defining stories - Designated speakers - Held in check by whole community

2 Kings 2123

Sources Further Reading: John Walton and D. Brent Sandy, The Lost World of Scripture Kenneth E. Bailey, “Informal Controlled Oral Tradition and the Synoptic Gospels, ” https: //biblicalstudies. org. uk/article_tradition_bailey. html Richard Baukham, Jesus and the Eyewitnesses Image links: https: //www. festivalsherpa. com/love-camping-6 -indian-festivals-can-camp/ https: //en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Josiah