In Waldorf education, Waldorf Old Testament stories are often taught through storytelling. The teacher may use vivid language and gestures to bring the stories to life for the students. For example, when telling the story of David and Goliath, the teacher might act out how David bravely faced the giant with just a sling and a stone.
One interesting Waldorf Old Testament story is the story of Noah and the Ark. God decided to flood the earth due to the wickedness of humanity. Noah, a righteous man, was chosen to build an ark and save his family and pairs of every kind of animal. It shows themes of salvation and new beginnings.
One key feature is the emphasis on the spiritual and symbolic nature. In Waldorf's view of Old Testament creation stories, they are not just literal accounts but also hold deep spiritual meanings that can be explored through anthroposophy. For example, the creation of man in the story is seen as a profound event with implications for human development and our relationship with the divine.
Introducing Old Testament stories in the Waldorf curriculum usually happens when students have sufficient background knowledge and emotional readiness. This could be in the middle school years, as they are better equipped to handle the complexity and depth of these stories and engage in meaningful discussions about their significance.
In Waldorf, the creation stories are often used as a means of understanding the development of the cosmos and humanity in a more holistic way. Traditional interpretations may be more concerned with historical, religious, or dogmatic aspects. For example, Waldorf might see the seven days of creation as representing different phases of spiritual and physical development, rather than just a literal time frame as some traditional views might hold.
One of the main themes is the relationship between God and His people. It shows how God chose the Israelites, made covenants with them, and guided them. Another theme is the concept of sin and redemption. The stories often depict the people's disobedience and God's mercy in forgiving them when they repent.
The age of the Old Testament stories is difficult to pinpoint precisely. They have been passed down and developed over a long period, likely spanning several millennia.
I'm not entirely sure specifically which '87' stories you are referring to. However, in the Old Testament, the concept of 'the beast' can be related to various symbolic or literal interpretations. For example, in the book of Daniel, there are visions of strange beasts that represent kingdoms or powers. Each beast has distinct characteristics that signify different aspects of worldly rule and its relationship with the divine.