Genesis
From The Open Bible Project
Contents |
List of Genesis Chapters
Introduction to Genesis
The Book of Genesis (from the Greek Γένεσις) meaning "beginning" or "birth" is the first book of the Christian Bible and is also referred to as "The First Book of Moses" being also the very first book in the Torah (the five books of Moses). In the Hebrew language, the Book of Genesis is called בראשית (Bereshit or Bərêšîth) literally meaning "in the beginning of."
Starting with the very first few words, the Book of Genesis offers a creative and rich narrative on the act of creation, the fall of mankind, Noah's flood, the election of Abraham, and other events considered important by people in both the Jewish and Christian faiths.
About the book of Genesis
Overwhelmingly, conservative tradition in Judaism and Christianity suggest that the Book of Genesis, together with the rest of the Torah (the first five books in the Old Testament) was written by Moses on Mount Sinai under the direct guidance of God. Other liberal Jewish and Christian scholars are suggesting that Genesis was not written by Moses, and rather was created from various Sumerian documents.
There are several important philosophical and theological points which Genesis presents to a reader in a "matter of fact" way:
- There was a clear beginning to the universe, space and time.
- There is one God who is responsible for the act of creation.
- God is actively involved in the affairs of mankind and interacts with mankind on various levels.
- Sin and disobedience created discord between man and God.
- There was a flood during the time on Noah.
- Jewish people were chosed by God through Abraham for a special purpose.
