The Value of the Course

Undertaking the Course on The Song of Solomon is not just valuable for gaining biblical knowledge. It is that, but more than that. It is a book which directs us to the reality of pure human love between man and woman. Originally a set of songs called ‘epithalamium’, that is songs of love, often sung at weddings, it brings us into a true understanding of the purity of wholesome love. Because we need to see the difference between pulchitrude—beauty and comeliness—and prurience—lascivious understanding of beauty—the person doing the Course will find that the book grows on him or her, and the effect will be life-long, and may well change man-woman relationships. . If, at the beginning, the book seems difficult to understand the Student should persevere and will be greatly rewarded.

How the Course Should Be Undertaken

There are 13 Lessons in all. Lessons are accompanied by Cassettes/mp3 which were recorded when The Song of Solomon was being expounded in a class. The Cassettes do not always align simply with the Lessons, but under each Lesson heading the Cassette you should use is indicated. It may have part of another Study on it also, so the Student will have to work this through carefully. A Cassette is not stated for the first two Studies. The use of Cassette 1 may give a little help.

The Student should note that Lesson 3 has material far beyond one lesson. It will be enlightening as to the Book and its Author, but it is not intended that the assignment set should cover the Essay. It is simply to help in an overall understanding of the Course.

The Text and Commentary given in the Lessons is from the Commentary by Geoffrey Bingham, entitled Love is Stronger Than Death and can be procured from New Creation Publications, Inc. A Bibliography is listed below.

Study Method I requires essay style responses. Essays to the order of 150–250 words per question. According to the subject matter, some questions may require up to 500 words or more. We encourage you to follow the instructions on the attached sheet, ‘Hints for Writing Essays’.

Study Method II requires direct answers to the set of questions. This method does not require written essays and long paragraphs. As a learning process, the questions are designed to lead you through the essentials of the subject matter of each lesson. The answers are to be in the form of statements, sentences and short paragraphs. Sometimes only one word will be required.

Always Check With Your Tutor

If you are uncertain as to how to go about the Course do not hesitate to contact your Tutor who will glad to help you.