This unit will study of the book of Genesis in relation to the art of preaching.
A narrative approach to Genesis will examine its major themes, genre, and characters through which theologies of creation and ecology, human dignity, vocation, and obedience will be discussed. Exploration of issues of justice relevant to a study of Genesis will also be considered, including gender relations, ethnicity, sexual ethics, questions of faith and science. Scholarly approaches to Genesis will be evaluated in terms of their contribution to modern preaching. Finally, an examination of the socio-historical background to Genesis will be undertaken, including its literary place in the Pentateuch, and students will encounter the scholarly debate on the book’s composition.