Gary Anderson: An Introduction to the Hebrew Bible

In this interview, I sit down with my friend and colleague, Professor Gary Anderson. Professor Anderson is the Hesburgh Professor of Catholic Thought at the University of Notre Dame. His research focuses on the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible, though he is interested in many dimensions of Biblical Studies.
I speak to Professor Anderson about his own journey into Biblical Studies, the state of the field, the documentary hypothesis, and much more!
If you find the material here interesting, I encourage you to see Professor Anderson's faculty page and read some of the material he is published.
theology.nd.edu/people/gary-a...
I hope you enjoy this discussion, and if you do please remember to like and subscribe!

[@christopherbrowder3378]

Thanks for the excellent discussion. I am just beginning my own study of the bible and this greatly assists me.

[@IpsissimusPrime]

This is a great discussion! What a great idea to interview members of your department (this is my 2nd of those interviews) who are studying different aspects of the Abrahamic religions, and specifically the different sacred texts. In the OT, Genesis & Exodus are both of special interest to me especially from their mystical perspectives, especially through the development of mystical practice due to different periods of exile and restoration in Judaism. Conversations such as these always deepen my perspective, helping me to better appreciate the evolution of the emphasis on the letter of the Law from Judaism thru Islam. I’m grateful that more Qur’anic research is being done, especially since there is still much contentiousness among the 3 arms. Very much appreciate your efforts Dr Reynolds. Thank You!

[@sidneysentell2510]

Wonderful discussions. Thank you both.

[@michelpapineau8868]

Awesome interview! Dr Anderson has raised my interest in learning much more about Genesis. I'll definitely be reading his book! Here is a rough breakdown of the conversation for viewers, I've paraphrased most of the questions as this is more of a conversation than an interview. (Feel free to delete my comment and make corrections) How do you begin to present the Bible? (11:55) Is there a non-religious way of asserting the unity of the Hebrew Bible as a unit and not just a collection of books? (15:15) What is distinctive of the Jewish approach to the Bible? (18:29) Is Moses the central figure of the Jewish Bible? (19:50) What is your own feeling about a Jewish reading of the centrality of Law? What can Christians learn from this approach? (21:30) What are the examples of keeping the law beyond the letter? (24:42) Is the Genesis documentary hypothesis (4 source theory) still discussed among scholars? (28:58) Is it valid to consider the priestly source in Genesis to be from the 6th century BCE (from the period of the exile) (30:57) What are your thoughts on the fact that Genesis writer(s) must have seen a contrast between Chap 1 and Chap 2-3, but still found a reason to put them together. (32:44) What do you think about the thought that Chap 2-3 seems folkloric, is there something more to the story. (37:13) Can we take that as a sign of compassion to not let them (Adam and Eve) go out in the elements without clothing? Is that what’s going on there? (39:43) What is different about Gen 12 and can we actually start talking about history with the introduction of Abraham in Genesis 12? (41:08) Your thoughts on why the Bible contains details about the unsaintly behaviors of prophets? What function do they have? (44:40) Do you have a favorite biblical book? (50:27)

[@PiratesRock]

Oh, damn. Thanks for making these man. They’re a big help.

[@4py3priestj]

That was great! I'm very excited for Dr. Anderson's forthcoming book on the Tabernacle!!!