A Literary Study of the Book of Genesis by Wilma J. Brown-Foreman, ED. S
Documented Essay Assignment: To become a strong leader, an individual’s character needs to become fully developed in integrity, humility, patience, faithfulness, compassion, competence, and wisdom. From Joseph’s own words in Genesis 50:20, one can conclude that God allows the physical, mental, and emotional sufferings of Joseph not only to fulfill His plan to save the lives of the Hebrews, but to strengthen Joseph’s character as leader. In a documented 1–3-page essay, elaborate on the development of character in the Joseph saga. Discuss any of the reasons for Joseph’s experiences listed below. You may think of added reasons for his adversities in life. Use at least three primary and secondary sources, including biblical references. Use the MLA or APA styles for formatting the paper. (See: MLA, APA, & CMS: How To Properly Format Your Papers -Knowing the Styles and When to Use Them ( http://www.collegescholarships.org/mla-apa-cmsstyles.htm ). Edit the paper to remove errors. Post your completed work on the discussion board. Title the paper: Character-Building Experiences in the Life of Joseph. Suggested Reasons for Joseph’s Suffering:
To help him overcome his prideful attitude and to learn humility (Genesis 37-50)
To teach him how to serve others (Genesis 39:4, 22-23, 40:4)
To train him to be loyal and steadfast (Genesis 39:2-6)
To strengthen him in moral purity (See Genesis 39:7-20)
To prepare him to comfort others (See Genesis 50:21)
To prepare him to become a role model for forgiveness and to lead his brothers to repentance (Genesis 50)
To teach him the capacity to accept delays in life (See Genesis 40:1-14, 23)
To strengthen his ability to withstand life’s adversities (Genesis 37-50)
To enable him to see God conduct His purposes and fulfill His promises to Abraham (Genesis 37:5-11, 41:32, 42:1-5, 45:4-7, and 50:20),
To become God’s instrument for saving lives (Genesis 50:20)
To let him experience God’s favor (Genesis 39:2-6 and 21-23)
To position him to show others God’s power (Genesis 41:15-16, 25, 28, 32-33, and 38-44).
Additional Online Writing Resources: A writing guide by Dr. Murray and Anna C. Rockowitz -Writing Center, Hunter College, City University of New York (https://www.hunter.cuny.edu/rwc/repository/files/the-documented-essay/guides-to-researchand-writing-from-sources/General-guidelines.pdf) Essay Grading rubrics: Academic Writing Guide (https://writingguideonline.com/high-schoolessay-rubric/)
Academic Initiatives for Biblical Literacy in Secondary Education
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