Whenever I read the story of Joseph in Egypt, I always realize what a great story it is, or at least what a great story basis. Everything to make it a quality story is here: structure, rising tension and suspense, interesting and dynamic characters (and even good dialogue in places), emotional and physical conflict... the list goes on.
Even stripped of any religious significance it would still be fun to read. More so than many biblical stories, it presents a full, understandable story that's easy to get invested in. When you read it with fresh eyes, as a piece of ancient literature, instead of with the boredom of a hundred Sunday school classes, it's just really, really fun.
PS: I commented on Matt's post
I felt the exact same way! I've heard all of these stories a million time throughout my life and have a fairly good knowledge of their plots and significance. But coming at the Bible from a literary standpoint changed everything. I actually *enjoyed* reading through Genesis. I hate to admit this, but I have been known to read the Bible simply out of some perceived sense of religious requirement. I'm glad that we covered the Bible this semester because I really think it will change the way I study the scriptures in the future.
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