Wisdom Psalms: Is the Category Worthwhile?
Faculty Sponsor
Will Kynes, Whitworth University
Research Project Abstract
Since its introduction in the early 20th century, the form-critical method of categorizing psalms has been highly debated. This presentation focuses on the recent debate, specifically as it addresses the category of wisdom psalms and argues that the category is no longer beneficial to one’s understanding of the psalms. After reviewing the arguments on both sides of the debate, the presentation analyzes how such categorization could influence the reader’s understanding of Psalm 1 and Psalm 37. Through this analysis, it becomes apparent that the categorization of either of these psalms as wisdom psalms emphasizes the connections they have to wisdom literature, yet hinders the reader from taking into account the other connections both psalms have to various portions of the Old and New Testament. Thus, I conclude that the category of wisdom psalms hampers our understanding of the psalms rather than providing enough benefit to warrant its continued pursuit.
Session Number
RS13
Location
Robinson 229
Abstract Number
RS13-b
Wisdom Psalms: Is the Category Worthwhile?
Robinson 229
Since its introduction in the early 20th century, the form-critical method of categorizing psalms has been highly debated. This presentation focuses on the recent debate, specifically as it addresses the category of wisdom psalms and argues that the category is no longer beneficial to one’s understanding of the psalms. After reviewing the arguments on both sides of the debate, the presentation analyzes how such categorization could influence the reader’s understanding of Psalm 1 and Psalm 37. Through this analysis, it becomes apparent that the categorization of either of these psalms as wisdom psalms emphasizes the connections they have to wisdom literature, yet hinders the reader from taking into account the other connections both psalms have to various portions of the Old and New Testament. Thus, I conclude that the category of wisdom psalms hampers our understanding of the psalms rather than providing enough benefit to warrant its continued pursuit.
