Texts that Perplex: How the Old Testament Teaches Through Confusion
“The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend." (Exodus 33:11).
"But ... you [Moses] cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live" (Exodus 33:20).
What do we do when Scripture places seemingly contradictory claims side by side? Or when a biblical story leaves us with more questions than answers about who God is, whether he can be trusted, or whether he is fair? We often approach difficult texts as tensions to explain away. But what if, at times, the tension is part of the point? What if mystery, paradox, and dilemmas are part of Scripture’s own curriculum for fostering mature faith, leading us into and through difficult questions for our good?
Join Dr. Matt Lynch as he explores the ways the Old Testament uses mystery, paradox, and tension on purpose as part of its formative work. From the burning bush and the mystery of the divine name in Exodus 3, to conflicting claims about God's changeability in 1 Samuel 15, to stories and psalms that press questions of God's reliability and fairness, this class will consider what Scripture may be seeking to form in us through texts that resist easy resolution.
This one-day intensive will explore:
Ways that Scripture fosters mystery and induces a sense of confusion on purpose
Ways that Scripture juxtaposes ideas that seem contradictory
Ways that Scripture leads us into stories that raise questions about God’s reliability or fairness
About Matt Lynch:
Matt Lynch is the Bruce K. Waltke Associate Professor of Old Testament at Regent College and a co-founder and co-host of the OnScript podcast. He holds an MATS and ThM from Regent College, a PhD from Emory University, and has completed postdoctoral research at the University of Göttingen in Germany. Before joining Regent, he served as Academic Dean and Lecturer in the Old Testament at Westminster Theological Centre in the United Kingdom.
Matt is the author of several books: Flood and Fury: Old Testament Violence and the Shalom of God; First Isaiah and the Disappearance of the Gods; Portraying Violence in the Hebrew Bible: A Literary and Cultural Study; Monotheism and Institutions in the Book of Chronicles.
His teaching and research focus on helping people grasp the theological and literary richness of the Old Testament, wrestle with its ethical and historical challenges, and understand its ongoing significance for Christian faith and life.
Additional Information:
We are running this event as part of our Everyday Seminary ministry, which exists to help form people through learning experiences and teachers who deepen our understanding of the Bible. In this case, the focus is on the Old Testament.
This event is for anyone who wants to explore how the Old Testament forms us through paradox, mystery, and at times even confusion. Our hope is that participants will come away better equipped to read and understand the Old Testament, while also gaining a deeper appreciation for its richness and beauty.
The one day intensive will include three lectures, worship, a Q&A session, and time for reflection in community.