The Theology of the Book of Genesis

Moberly examines the use of Genesis in current debates, seeking to enable responsible theological awareness and use of the ancient text.

R. W. L. Moberly (Author)

9780521866316, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 29 May 2009

296 pages
22.2 x 14.7 x 2.1 cm, 0.45 kg

'Readers will find that one of the most useful aspects of the book is the way in which it engages with writers who have used Genesis negatively rather than positively. It is a demonstration of why Genesis continues to be important for Jewish and Christian faith and practice.' Church Times

The book of Genesis contains foundational material for Jewish and Christian theology, both historic and contemporary, and is almost certainly the most appealed-to book in the Old Testament in contemporary culture. R. W. L. Moberly's The Theology of the Book of Genesis examines the actual use made of Genesis in current debates, not only in academic but also in popular contexts. Traditional issues such as creation and fall stand alongside more recent issues such as religious violence and Christian Zionism. Moberly's concern - elucidated through a combination of close readings and discussions of hermeneutical principle - is to uncover what constitutes good understanding and use of Genesis, through a consideration of its intrinsic meaning as an ancient text (in both Hebrew and Greek versions) in dialogue with its reception and appropriation both past and present. Moberly seeks to enable responsible theological awareness and use of the ancient text today, highlighting Genesis' enduring significance.

1. What is a 'theology of Genesis'?
2. On reading Genesis 1-11
3. Genesis 1: picturing the world
4. Genesis 2-3: Adam and Eve and 'the fall'
5. Genesis 4: Cain and Abel
6. Genesis 6-9: cataclysm and grace
7. On reading Genesis 12-50
8. Genesis 12:1-3: a key to interpreting the Old Testament?
9. Genesis 12:3a: a biblical basis for Christian Zionism?
10. Genesis 22: Abraham - model or monster?
11. Abraham and the 'Abrahamic faiths'
12. Genesis 37-50: Joseph.

Subject Areas: Christian theology [HRCM], Old Testaments [HRCF1], Bibles [HRCF]