Reading the Bible as literature: The Book of Esther (additional place)

‘If I have won your favour, O king, and If it pleases the king, let my life be given to me -that is my petition – and the lives of my people – that is my request.’

The Book of Esther

SALON DETAILS:

• Facilitated by Rev Dr Nicky von Fraunhofer
• Two-meeting virtual study, Monday 4 and 11 April, 4.30-6.30pm BST
• £50, including opening notes and background materials

You might be surprised to learn that some biblical books are full of colourful characters, dramatic narrative arcs, and even the occasional joke. The story of Esther is a particularly good example of a text which can be explored in its own terms, through a contemporary, literary lens. Instead of focusing on the religious content, as in a traditional Bible study, we will explore the genre, writing style, story arc and characters in Esther through the medium of group discussion.

The salon is not intended to explore faith issues, and you do not need any prior Bible knowledge. You are welcome to bring any version of the Bible to the session, provided that it has a Hebrew (Old Testament) section. Please note that you will find it easier to participate in the study if your version has the standard layout (i.e. it is divided into chapters and verses.) 

If you do not already own a Bible, you are recommended to purchase the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV with Old and New Testament). The facilitator will be using the Anglicized version with Apocrypha; ISBN: 978-0-19-107001-3 (Oxford University Press).