Introduction - Teachers

Teacher's Guide

Introduction

Learners

Standards

Process

Teacher's Guide - Introduction

This webquest was designed by the Team at WebQuest Direct for the Catholic Schools Office in the Diocese Maitland-Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia to complement the Year 6 Unit 7: The Story of God's People particularly Section 4 "The Prophets and the Exile".

The content for this webquest was based on the work of the RE Team at the Catholic Schools Office for this unit particularly the culminating activity.

Students in Year 9 within the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle will re-visit the idea of Prophets.

Background:

Terminology:

The Bible: A collection of books of a variety of literary forms/text types (narrative...) telling the story, memories and reflections of the ancestors of the People of God over two millennium. The authors of the Bible often wrote stories and events passed down over decades/centuries. These writings often revealed more about the writers than about the original people/stories/events. Retelling stories about the ancestors gave the People hope and courage. The church recognises the authors of the Bible as people inspired by God to reveal important truths for humanity.
The Hebrew Scriptures: The Sacred writings (46 books) of the Hebrew People commonly (though inappropriately as it can denigrate the Hebrew/Jewish scriptures) called "Old" Testament. The "New" Testament is often called the Christian Scriptures.
Prophet: A spokesperson for God speaking out against and challenging the people against the evils of the time such as false worship and injustice. A social commentator in times of crisis.

© Catholic Schools Office, Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, Unit 7, Stage 3 Documentation

Teacher Background

Word 'prophet' has its roots in a Greek/Latin word fas, fare, fessus, meaning "to speak". In Hebrew the word for prophet means 'one who is called' or 'one who calls'.
Prophets of some kind were common in all religions of the ancient world.
The 'Age of Prophets' of Israel dates from approximately 922 B.C. to 400 B.C., from the division of the Kingdom of Israel into two kingdoms until after the Jews resettled in Judah.
Contrary to the popular idea that prophets primarily predicted the future (which they sometimes did) the main role of the prophets in Israel was to serve as spokespersons for God. While speaking God's word for the present it was natural that their message had future implications since the future is inextricably bound up with the present.
The prophets experienced a call from God - an overwhelming conviction that they were to deliver God's message, not their own, to the people.
The message came to the prophets in various ways - sometimes in dreams or visions, sometimes by hearing, often by clear internal 'knowing'.
The prophets were often afraid and overwhelmed by their task. They felt unworthy, unqualified to do what was being asked of them. (Isaiah 6: 1-8; Jeremiah 1:4-10)
Many were persecuted in one way or another by the people to whom they were sent. They were mocked, laughed at, imprisoned, ignored, driven away. Being a prophet was quite a high risk job. (Jeremiah 38, Daniel 6)
The 'word' the prophets received often urged them on in spite of their fear or reluctance. The message was so powerful they felt compelled to 'speak' it. Jeremiah said 'There seemed to be a fire imprisoned in my heart', and Amos said, 'when the sovereign Lord speaks, who can avoid proclaiming his message?'
The prophets delivered God's word in a variety of ways. Some spoke in fiery words, denouncing political and religious leaders; some acted out by lawsuits by God against the people; some used symbolic actions to demonstrate the message (e.g. Jeremiah broke a jar to illustrate the threat of destruction for Jerusalem); some recited love songs. Whatever device the prophets used, their message was essentially oral, delivered to the people at gathering places such as the city gate, the court of the king, etc.
Probably our written versions of the prophets come from disciples of the prophets who recorded their speeches and collected them, eventually producing written records.
Forming the backdrop for the message of all the prophets was the covenant made between God and the people of Israel. To be faithful to the covenant meant to worship God alone and to live justly with one's neighbours. The prophets recalled their hearers to covenant fidelity whenever the people, especially the political and religious leaders and the wealthy, were abusing their power, oppressing the poor, living unjustly, and whenever people were worshipping idols or practising religious externals while treating others unfairly. The prophets condemned such hypocrisy.
The prophets' final word was always a message of hope and comfort. The greatest hope lay in their promises of a new age of peace and justice.

Theological and Educational Background

A modern day prophet may not be readily recognised. They may not stand out as a 'prophet of old' or be one that receives prominence in the media. A modern day prophet may be hidden in the midst of our own families or communities.
To find a modern day prophet you need to look no further than the person who provides support and works with love and care in almost any field or situation and who is guided by the teachings and example of Jesus. This could include: in medicine, in the support of those suffering mental illness, the handicapped, the elderly or the sick, support of the community, social services or dedication to the family. Modern day prophets may be those who call upon us to care for the environment, question modern consumerism or the pressures presented by our technological world.
A modern day prophet may be as diverse as a cartoonist, a popular singer or band, a politician or community leader. They can be found in all walks of life.
Many modern day prophets can be found among those who work for social justice. There are many instances of injustice in our world. The common thread between them all is the desire of individuals or groups to want more for others.
A prophet is someone who encourages us to live our lives as God wanted.
The many ways in which we can live justly centre on our recognition of the dignity of every person. When a person suffers injustice of any kind we are called to share in their sufferings and help overcome them. It may be that good works, charity, prayer, fasting or a commitment to a cause are some of the ways of being a modern day prophet.