PART 1: For this part of the assignment, select one of the following topics to research. You will write a 3-4 page paper summarizing your research. The essay should be double-spaced, 1-inch margins, and a font of 12. NOTE: Avoid large spacing between paragraphs and/or any headings.
The essay should follow APA guidelines and be free of spelling and typing errors.
1) The Biblical prophets addressed issues such as concerns for the poor, social deterioration, breakdown of the family, environmental issues, etc. How did the prophets provide a message of both judgment and hope to the people of their times? Give specific examples of the different prophets of ancient Israel, the issues they addressed, and their message of judgment and hope.
2) The Psalms give expression to a wide range of human emotions. Identify two (2) to three (3) emotions and provide specific examples of Psalms that express these emotions. Justify your thoughts as to how the Psalms you select speak to the emotion with which you have it paired.
3) The study of wisdom throughout history has attempted to address the question, “What is the meaning of life?” Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes, known as the wisdom books, provide insight in helping to answer this profound question. In what way does each of the books provide insight into the question of whether life has any discernable meaning and purpose? Why or why not?
4) The books of Ruth, Esther, and Daniel seem like very different stories; however, there are common questions that can be asked of each. These questions are: What is God doing in the story? What are the people of God doing in the story? What do these stories call the people of God to do? Answer these three questions for each story; then, draw some conclusions about the general themes being communicated in these scriptures.