The biblical text offers several responses to the
problem of evil and suffering. Different books
and different writers answer this in different
ways. This week we covered not only exilic texts
(destruction of Jerusalem, laments, and prophets
prophesying about upcoming destruction), but
ancient ancestral narratives transformed to
answer exilic concerns (e.g., Genesis).
Compare and contrast two different genres (prophetic
or narrative or lament) on responses to evil or exile.
How do the ancient writers differ in what is one’s
response to exile? And, why do you think their
message was such? What was influencing their
content? (Contextualize the different writers!) This
may be based on the readings the week, lectures,
class time, discussions et cetera. Get creative with
these and analyze two different stories from different
books, or two different prophets, or a prophet and
narrative or lament, etc. (Habakkuk and some psalms
we read are outliers, so you may compare those texts
with the prophets or the narratives in Genesis, etc). In
conclusion, consider: why are there multiple responses
to trauma and exile preserved in one Bible?
Style and Format:
• Style – 3-4 pages, double-spaced, 12pt, 1-
inch margins (MLA format is fine)
• Unique Title – Centered in bold
• Include page numbers
Recommended structure:
• First, a short thesis paragraph where you state your claim
and explain your argument
• Second, 2-3 pages on the topic chosen
