Reading Biblical Literature: Genesis to Revelation by Craig R. Koester Ph.D.

Professor Koester takes his students through an enlightening trip through the bible.  Each book or group of books is set in the context of the events of the time that shaped the writing of each book.  Each book is looked at through the style of literature employed.  How is the literary structure used to convey the message? 

His description of the separation of the Jewish state into Israel and Judea helped clarify the sections in the Old Testament where the tribes were in conflict.  He also explained why the Jews in Samaria were not considered accepted as part of the Jewish community and both Judea and Israel.  Invasion, foreign occupation, and persecution also shaped the biblical text.

Reading Biblical Literature Genesis to Revelation Course Summary - 1 min. 

The Apocalypse: Controversies and Meaning in Western History by Craig R. Koester PhD.

The Great Course, The Apocalypse: Controversies and Meaning in Western History provides a thorough review of the last book of the new testament, The Book of Revelation.

I appreciated Professor Koester's efforts to place the book in historical context helping to interpret the figurative text as viewed from a person reading in the early first and second century A.D.  Attempts by many individuals in later centuries to use it to describe the current situation are probably misplaced although it highlights that the struggles noted in the book are universal and often faced by people thorough out history. 

Although Revelation is often thought of as a book that provides a fearful vision of the future, it offers a vision of hope that things will turn out alright in the end.  The struggle outlined is an adventure where evil forces attempt to cause misery but never succeed in the ultimate goal.

Before this lecture series I was unaware that the Book of Revelation was a source for many church hymns and religious music including Handel's Messiah. There are choral interludes between many of the significant passages in the book.

Apocalypse, Archeology, and the Dead Sea Scrolls - 54 minutes

How to be a Gentleman by John Bridges

John Bridges provides a current guide to good manners in the book, How to Be a Gentleman Revised and Updated: A Contemporary Guide to Common Courtesy (Gentlemanners).  I was familiar with most of the social customs listed in the book but appreciated the finer tips on how to behave in front of dignitaries and royalty. 

The tips are a useful refresher for all those who aspire to be a gentleman and a good guide to the social graces for young men navigating the social scene.  As many people have been fired for boorish behavior, it may also serve as a guide for staying employed. 

Early chapter of How to Be a Gentleman audiobook - 9 min. 

A gentleman is there when he is needed and knows when to leave - 53 sec. 

How to Boost Your Mental and Physical Energy by Prof. Kimberlee Bethany Bonura

 

  

Professor Bonura provides clear evidenced base information on how to boost your physical and mental energy through proper nutrition, exercise, mindfulness and sleep.  Her description and demonstration of the several kinds of Yoga breathing was very helpful. The bellows breath provides a boost of energy equivalent to a cup of coffee.  The box breath and a similar breath through the nose and out the mouth aid in relaxation and stress management. 

The series is available from the Great Courses. 

Box Breath -1 min.  (Inhale air through the nose; expand the diaphragm; exhale through the nose.)