Bible Capstone Paper

Instructions: The purpose of this assignment is to study and to create a Passover meal in order to evaluate the development of the tradition of Passover from the Old Testament to modern times. Students will write about their experience in a 5-6 page paper (double-spaced, not counting title page or bibliography) using APA Style.

Step 1: Modern Passover Meal. Students need to organize a group of people with whom you can share a Passover meal sometime prior to week 8. Groups may consist of members of your church, neighbors, or family/friends. You will organize your meal using The Family Haggadah. Participants must recite most of the elements in the Haggadah (pgs 14-63). In the “Hallel” portion (pgs 63-77), students only need to read 1 or 2 pages. You may stop at “Next Year in Jerusalem” (page 79).

Step 2: Essay. The essay is due at the end of week 8. Students should use the Bible, The Family Haggadah, Bible dictionaries, and other resources (four Bible dictionary articles on the Passover can be found in Files) to survey the background and observance of Passover. You should have a minimum of five sources (including class materials)—please cite your sources consistently using APA Style. 

1)    Title page. (Your Name, Class, Title, Date, Word Count).
2)    Introduction. What is the main idea of this paper?
3)    OT Passover (at least 1 ½ pages). After examining the biblical texts (Exodus 12-13, Exod 34:18, Lev 23:4-8, Num 9:1-14; 28:16-25; Deut 16:1-8; see also Josh 5:10-12; 2 Kgs 23:21-23; 2 Chron 35:1-19.), provide a descriptive picture of the Passover—include the key elements of the meal (e.g., the lamb, unleavened bread, etc.) and their significance. You will notice differences to compare and contrast between Exodus 12-13 and the other texts.
4)    Jewish Passover. (at least 1 ½ pages). What did you learn from organizing and performing the Passover dinner? Write what you did in your group, what did you enjoy about the group and the project? How is this meal similar/different from what is prescribed in the Old Testament? 
5)    Christian Eucharist (at least 1 page). Read Matt 26:17-30. Why does Jesus choose the Passover as his last supper (Eucharist)? How does the Eucharist draw upon images from the Passover? How is the Passover unique from the Eucharist?
6)    Application & Conclusion (at least 1 page). How did the Passover tradition develop? What are some of the most interesting developments? Is it okay for a tradition to develop? 
7)    Bibliography of cited resources (including class materials). The paper must use at least five resources including Hill & Walton’s  Survey of the Old Testament, the course lectures, and the articles found in Files (do not use KJV or paraphrased translations, Wikipedia, popular websites [e.g., beliefnet.com], devotional material [e.g., Ray Steadman, John MacArthur,], or material older than 1975 [e.g., Matthew-Henry]). The Bible is not a resource, should not be listed in your bibliography, and should not be quoted at length.

How to cite the Bible: 

CORRECT:  Gen 1:3.

INCORRECT “Genesis chapter one verse three.”