Unit 3: Exodus: The Journey from Slavery to Freedom

Section 1: Introduction to Exodus “We Have a Story” by Mark Trotter

Introduction to Exodus “We Have a Story” by Mark Trotter –Topic Archetype Myth/Story Exodus

Introduction to Exodus Archetype –A universal truth shared by all peoples which becomes the prototype for specific examples –A story that gives meaning to the human venture –A story that you can say, “That’s my story, too.”

Introduction to Exodus Myth –The truth in story form The difference between facts and truths –A true story, and it may also have happened Origin of Tradition Phase of Storytelling –Defines a people, unites a nation (identity) Ex. – After the destruction of the Temple, the Jewish people maintained their identity through their stories –Created and understood by a specific group of people Ex. – Greek, Roman, Norse, Christian, American

Introduction to Exodus What is the definition of “exodus”? –To exit or to leave –A movement or migration –A change of conversion

Introduction to Exodus “We Have a Story” by Mark Trotter –Thesis The story of the Exodus is the most important and fertile of all Biblical stories because it reveals the way God works in all history and it contains an eternal truth that has the power to unite all people

Introduction to Exodus “We Have a Story” by Mark Trotter –What is the Eternal/Universal Truth of the Exodus Story? People have a innate desire to move from slavery/bondage/hardships to freedom/liberation/better life Need to maintain hope even during the darkest of times and to possess the inner strength to endure periods of great suffering –What is the Religious Truth of the Exodus Story? God’s great love for the created world is expressed in the desire to move people from slavery/bondage/hardships to freedom/liberation/better life

Introduction to Exodus “We Have a Story” by Mark Trotter –How does the Exodus Story have the power to unite all people? Everyone has experienced a form of human bondage, enslavement, or hardship –Physical, mental, emotional, spiritual –The result of economic oppression, political repression, religious persecution Everyone desires freedom, liberation, and a better life

Introduction to Exodus “We Have a Story” by Mark Trotter –What are some examples from history that display how can everyone relate to the Exodus Story? The Pilgrims African-American Slaves in the American South Immigrants to the United States –These groups have re-membered the Exodus Story in their own experiences Story has the power to unite us with the past

Introduction to Exodus “We Have a Story” by Mark Trotter –How is the Exodus Story also your story? What are some of the things that hold you back from living freely? What do you need to be liberated from?

Introduction to Exodus

Section 2: Introduction to Exodus

Introduction to Exodus The Exodus event is the central event in the history of the Jewish people The Exodus event is the lens through which the remainder of the Hebrew Scriptures are viewed and edited

Introduction to Exodus 1. Raw Experience 2. Reflected Experience 3. Storytelling 4. Symbol & Ritual The Cycle of Meaning

Introduction to Exodus What is the Raw Experience that led the Hebrew people to Reflect and write down the story of the Exodus to explain why? –A period in history that caused the Hebrew people to have a religious identity crisis

Introduction to Exodus 1. ??? 2. Why are we experiencing a form of enslavement? 3. The story of the Exodus 4. Symbol & Ritual The Cycle of Meaning

Introduction to Exodus What is the Raw Experience that led the Hebrew people to Reflect and write down the story of the Exodus to explain why? –A period in history that caused the Hebrew people to have a religious identity crisis –The Babylonian Exile in 587 BC

Introduction to Exodus