Description
The Cambridge Companion to Genesis explores the first book of the Bible, the book that serves as the foundation for the rest of the Hebrew Scriptures. Recognizing its unique position in world history, the history of religions, as well as biblical and theological studies, the volume summarizes key developments in Biblical scholarship since the Enlightenment, while offering an overview of the diverse methods and reading strategies that are currently applied to the reading of Genesis. It also explores questions that, in some cases, have been explored for centuries. Written by an international team of scholars whose essays were specially commissioned, the Companion provides a multi-disciplinary update of all relevant issues related to the interpretation of Genesis. Whether the reader is taking the first step on the path or continuing a research journey, this volume will illuminate the role of Genesis in world religions, theology, philosophy, and critical biblical scholarship.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction: Genesis and the status quaestionis Bill T. Arnold; Part 1. Composition and Structure of Genesis; 2. Genesis in the history of critical scholarship Jean Louis Ska; 3. Genesis in source and redaction criticism Today Jan Christian Gertz; 4. Genesis in form and tradition criticism today Christoph Levin; 5. Rhetorical features and characteristics Michaela Bauks; Part 2. Social World of Genesis; 6. Genesis and its ancient literary analogues Alice Mandell; 7. Genesis and the conceptual world of the ancient near east John H. Walton; 8. Family, clan, and tribe in the book of Genesis Naomi A. Steinberg; 9. Women's status and feminist readings of Genesis Sarah Shectman; Part 3. Themes and Literary Motifs of Genesis; 10. From Imago to Imagines: The image(s) of God in Genesis Brent A. Strawn; 11. Genesis, science, and theories of origins Jitse M. van der Meer; 12. Genesis and ethics Eckart Otto; 13. Genesis and the problem of evil: Philosophical musings on the Bible's first book Paul M. Gould; Part 4. Reception history of Genesis; 14. Modern philosophical receptions of Genesis Frederick D. Aquino; 15. Jewish reflections on universalism and particularism in Genesis Joel S. Kaminsky; 16. Before Moses: Genesis among the Christians Iain Provan.
