In 36 thought-provoking lectures, you'll explore enlightening teachings that have inspired the world and that continue to speak to life's most important questions. Throughout, you'll benefit from Father Koterski's ecumenical perspective, as he presents these teachings within the Jewish and Christian traditions and compares the varying versions of these texts. What do these writings have to say about the great philosophical problems people seek to understand? You'll find out as you contend with the literal and figurative meanings behind some of the Bible's most essential books and parts (as well as some that many of us overlook). Among them: the book of Job, which contends with some of the most enduring philosophical and theological questions; the book of Proverbs, with its moral exhortation to live according to God's covenant; the book of Sirach, which contains advice on friendship and fidelity to God's law; the Song of Songs, a sublime piece of biblical poetry; and the Wisdom of Solomon, with its stirring contemplation of wisdom in civic and private life.

Each of these and the other books in these lectures is placed in its historical and cultural context, but is also examines in the context of today's world. Father Koterski takes care to describe how these ancient teachings can be applied to everyday dilemmas we all face. The result is an enriching journey that is as rewarding for members of the Jewish and Christian faiths as it is to those