Module 3 Discussion: Perceiving the Bible

Module 3 Discussion: Perceiving the Bible

Instructions: Module 3 Discussion: Perceiving the Bible

This discussion activity will help you distinguish between a literal and allegorical reading, and explain the importance of perception, with reference to Genesis.

Your Goal

Your goal is to demonstrate your understanding of these concepts of literal versus allegorical interpretations of the Genesis stories by presenting a thoughtful analysis of your chosen artwork and by integrating details from the historical and cultural context. Including more details from the artist’s biography, the patron’s perspective, the original location where the image was displayed, and the function of the image will help strengthen your interpretation of the image. By exploring how visual depictions of religious texts can convey complex ideas that include multiple perspectives you will develop your critical thinking and analytical skills.

Your Tasks

Find an image of a work of art from a museum, church, or religious source that depicts a scene from Genesis. Here are some suggested sources of images. I suggest searching the collections and exhibitions of these museums.

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art https://www.metmuseum.org/
• The Visual Commentary on Scripture https://thevcs.org/
• The Jewish Museum https://thejewishmuseum.org/
• The Museum of Modern Art https://www.moma.org/

In your approximately 500-word discussion post, complete the following tasks:

1. Provide the title, artist name and a link to your image.
2. Analyze how the artist has perceived the story by examining the appearance of characters and the setting.
3. Provide more information about the image and the artist’s cultural context. What were the artist’s religious beliefs or the beliefs of the patron who commissioned the work of art?
4. Which elements of the image reflect a literal meaning of the Genesis story, and which elements reflect a more allegorical reading (i.e. symbolic or metaphorical elements).

Enter your response and share your interpretation of an image from Genesis with the class in the discussion board by pasting your text into the input box. (Please do not attach a separate file.)

Then, find a post by a classmate who did their discussion on a different image than you. Leave a comment of at least one paragraph, praising any insights that you found impressive and noting anything that they might have missed.

Remember, you are expected to cite all of your sources using MLA.

Note: this discussion must follow academic integrity standards. Your responses must be original and reflect independent critical thinking.

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