English 233:  Introduction to Western Humanities -- Baroque & Enlightenment

Intitial Study Guide to the Biblical Creation Narrative

Note:  To print this document from within one of the KSU public computer labs, you must first go into the File menu (in the upper left-hand corner of your Web browser), to choose the Page Setup option, and then to click on the option Black Text.  This will ensure that colored font in this document prints out, instead of being left blank by the printer.

Consider printing off a copy of this and taking some notes directly upon it.

(1)  What did the ancient Jews consider to be the origin of this story of the origin of the universe?  That is, what was their picture of the history of the story of history? 

From what you have read, what can you infer is the significance of the fact that the Book of Genesis is known as "The First Book of Moses"?

Don't be upset if you haven't a clue at this moment.  We'll be taking this idea up eventually.  Meanwhile, if you have some notions on this, it's useful to recall them at the outset.

 

(2)  The narrative presents a series of acts of God. When we witness acts of an agent, the following two questions are automatically on the table:

(2A)  So:  reviewing Genesis 1.1-2.3, what specific traits do YOU think the text authorizes us to attribute to God -- i.e., how would you describe his character on the basis of the actions described?

 

 

(2B)  What specific traits do YOU think the text of the rest Genesis 2:4-3 authorizes us to attribute to God?  That is, how would you describe his character on the basis of the actions described?

 

(3)  What exactly are the punishments that God imposes on Adam and Eve, and how could they be understood as exactly fitting the First Parents’ offense.  (After all:  if the punishment doesn’t fit the crime, then the judge is unjust.) 

 

 

 

  Go to the Home Page of the course.

  Suggestions, comments and questions are welcome.  Please send them to lyman@ksu.edu .

      Contents copyright © 1999 by Lyman A. Baker. 

Permission is granted for non-commercial educational use; all other rights reserved.

      This page last updated 11 October 2000.