Course Description


In 1947, the discovery of the caves near the Dead Sea preserving ancient manuscripts of more than 2000 years old, shook the world of biblical studies. Not only did that lead to the discovery of the oldest copies of the Hebrew Bible, but with it we have access to Jewish texts dating from the third century BCE (through to 68 CE), providing unprecedented access to information relating to Jewish history and culture from before (and during) the time of Jesus.
  • Location

    Online via Zoom

    First and Last Sessions are in-person for local students at:

    BGST, 50 Kallang Pudding Rd
    #07-01 AMA Building
    Singapore 349326

  • Dates

    (Wednesdays)
    Jul: 31
    Aug: 14, 28
    Sep: 11, 25
    Oct 9
    Closing Date for Registration:
    July 28, 2024

  • Time

    7:15–10.00PM

Instructor

Dr Jasmine Foo

Associate Lecturer

Dr Jasmine Foo was a former BGST student, before eventually completing her PhD in Biblical Studies at King’s College London, researching on the concept of Jewish identity during the Second Temple Period depicted in the Dead Sea Scrolls. In London, she attends All Soul’s Church, Langham, famously known as John Stott’s church. Previously a lawyer, polytechnic lecturer, strategic planner at the State Courts, while being a staffworker at the Fellowship of Evangelical Students (FES), Jasmine’s varied experiences has helped developed her passion for learning and teaching the Bible and also equipping all Christians in the practice of their faith in society. She double-hats as the Marketplace Research Editor for the BGST column in Salt&Light and is running a social enterprise in sustainability.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    General

    • General Formatting for all Assignments

    • Orientation Course & Library Access

    • Course Syllabus

  • 2

    Session 1

    • Course Introduction

  • 3

    Session 2

    • Behind the Scrolls Community: History

  • 4

    Session 3

    • Behind the Scrolls Community: Ideology & Theology

  • 5

    Session 4

    • Reading, Copying, Editing Scriptures

  • 6

    Session 5

    • A Legalistic or Ritualistic People?

  • 7

    Session 6

    • Scrolls Community and the Early Church: Same same but different

  • 8

    Course Evaluation

    • Course Evaluation

  • 9

    Assignments

    • Reflection Papers

    • Research Essay Writing (1500-2000 words)