Leviticus Part 2 – Discussion Questions

This week’s video discussion covers the second half of Leviticus (chapters 16-26).

Step One: Before opening your Bible or watching the video, pause and reflect on the following:

• What do you remember about the book of Leviticus based on what you’ve been taught in the past (either via last week’s video or elsewhere)?
• What unresolved questions do you still have about this text that you would like to continue to explore this week?

Step Two: Look through the second half of Leviticus (chapters 16-26), taking note of places in the text that stand out to you. When you are done, consider the following:

• What did you notice? Was there anything different about these chapters compared to the ones you read and discussed last week? Any similarities?
• What questions come up for you as you read this week’s text? Is there anything about what you just read that surprised or bothered you?

Step Three: Watch this week’s video and then discuss the following:

• What did you take away from today’s video? Did you learn anything new?
• While discussing the “scapegoat” in Lev. 16, Dr. Collins brought up a quote from Paul Ricoeur: “the symbol gives rise to thought.” Although sending one’s sins away on a goat might not make you a “better person,” Collins wonders whether this ritual could still have had an impact on individuals’ behavior and attitudes in ancient Israel. How would you respond to Dr. Collins? Do you find this idea compelling? Why or why not?
• There are many different ways in which interpreters can choose to respond to harmful and traumatic content found in the Bible such as Lev. 18:22. For you personally, what approach do you prefer as a modern interpreter of these texts? (e.g. attempt to Resolve/explain? Ignore/reject? Grapple/process? Other?)