Biblical Poetry As Creative Response To God Training

Objectives:
• Define biblical poetry and its key characteristics
• Identify the primary poetic books of the Old Testament
• Explain the theological purpose of poetry in scripture
• Distinguish between Hebrew and modern poetic conventions

Topics:
• Introduction to the Poetic Books (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs)
• The Nature and Function of Hebrew Poetry
• Key Terms: Parallelism, Imagery, Meter
• Poetry as a Vehicle for Divine-Human Encounter
• Historical and Cultural Context of Biblical Poets

Objectives:
• Analyse the three main types of biblical parallelism
• Practise identifying synonymous, antithetic, and synthetic parallelism in texts
• Evaluate how parallelism shapes meaning and emphasis
• Apply knowledge to interpret selected Psalms

Topics:
• Synonymous Parallelism: Repetition and Reinforcement
• Antithetic Parallelism: Contrast and Clarification
• Synthetic Parallelism: Complementation and Progression
• Case Studies: Psalm 1 and Psalm 19
• The Role of Parallelism in Memorisation and Oral Tradition

Objectives:
• Classify different types of poetic imagery in the Bible
• Interpret common metaphors (e.g., shepherd, rock, vine)
• Analyse how symbolism conveys theological truths
• Create original metaphors inspired by biblical examples

Topics:
• Nature Imagery in the Psalms and Prophets
• Anthropomorphic and Zoomorphic Imagery for God
• Symbolic Numbers and Colours
• The 'Ways' Metaphor in Wisdom Literature (Proverbs)
• Workshop: Analysing Imagery in Psalm 23 and Song of Songs

Objectives:
• Categorise psalms by genre (lament, thanksgiving, praise, wisdom)
• Deconstruct the structure of a lament psalm
• Articulate how psalms model honest dialogue with God
• Begin drafting a personal psalm using a biblical template

Topics:
• The Psalter as Israel's Prayer and Hymn Book
• Anatomy of a Lament Psalm (e.g., Psalm 13)
• Psalms of Thanksgiving and Declarative Praise
• Imprecatory Psalms: Understanding Difficult Texts
• Practical Session: Writing a Psalm of Trust

Objectives:
• Contrast the approaches of Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes
• Examine how poetic form explores life's complexities
• Evaluate the role of questioning and doubt in faithful response
• Synthesise wisdom themes into reflective writing

Topics:
• The Didactic Poetry of Proverbs
• The Dramatic and Dialogic Poetry of Job
• The Reflective Skepticism of Ecclesiastes (Qohelet)
• The 'Fear of the Lord' as Creative Foundation
• Group Discussion: Modern Parallels to Biblical Wisdom Questions

Objectives:
• Identify poetic forms within prophetic literature
• Analyse how poetry amplifies calls for justice and righteousness
• Connect prophetic imagery to contemporary social issues
• Compose a poetic prophetic response to a modern concern

Topics:
• Poetic Oracles in Isaiah, Amos, and Micah
• Metaphors of Judgment and Restoration
• The Poetics of Lament over Injustice (e.g., Lamentations)
• The Servant Songs of Isaiah as Poetic Theology
• Creative Workshop: Crafting a Prophetic Poetic Utterance

Objectives:
• Distinguish between individual and corporate poetic voice
• Plan a liturgical use for original or biblical poetry
• Collaborate on a group poetic composition
• Critique peer compositions using established criteria

Topics:
• 'I' vs. 'We' in the Psalms
• Poetry in Ancient Israelite Worship and Festival
• Translating Biblical Poetry for Modern Congregational Use
• Principles of Constructive Feedback for Creative Work
• Practical Session: Creating a Communal Liturgical Poem

Objectives:
• Analyse complex poetic devices (e.g., chiasm, acrostic)
• Interpret theologically dense poetry (e.g., Job 28, Proverbs 8)
• Defend the value of poetic ambiguity in theological expression
• Refine a personal composition incorporating advanced techniques

Topics:
• Chiastic Structures and Their Theological Impact
• Acrostic Poems (Psalms 111, 112, 119; Lamentations)
• Poetry and Christology: Messianic Psalms and Prophecies
• The Limits of Language and the Role of Mystery
• Masterclass: Peer Review and Redrafting of Original Work

Objectives:
• Present a final original poetic work as a response to God
• Articulate a personal poetics statement informed by the course
• Evaluate the transformative potential of engaging biblical poetry
• Plan for ongoing creative practice within a faith community

Topics:
• Final Presentation and Sharing of Original Compositions
• Developing a Personal 'Poetics of Faith' Statement
• Biblical Poetry as a Discipline for Spiritual Formation
• Curating a Portfolio of Creative Response
• Course Conclusion: Integration, Reflection, and Way Forward