The Theology of the Book of Genesis
Pages
296
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Published
5/1/2009
ISBN-13
9780521866316
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.
Reviews
Moberly offers a thoughtful and deeply engaging exploration of how Genesis can be read as Scripture today. He brings close exegesis into conversation with Jewish and Christian interpretation, contemporary moral questions and the wider canon. His treatments of creation, the Flood, Abraham, Genesis 22 and Joseph are especially strong. The book is selective rather than comprehensive, but as a theological companion to a detailed commentary it is one of the most rewarding studies of Genesis available.