The Book of Genesis

By: Gary A. Rendsburg, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Gary A. Rendsburg

Nearly everyone in the Western world is familiar with the stories in the book of Genesis. Its language is simple. Its powerful sentences are short. And its messages glisten with clarity. But is it possible that the understanding of the book of Genesis we've all grown up with isn't as complete as we'd like to believe? That its deceptively simple sentences and surface appearance hide from contemporary readers a purposeful and intricate structure designed to let its depth and detail and implication resonate with the readers and listeners of its own time?

These 24 fascinating lectures offer the necessary tools to change our perceptions of the book of Genesis, showing us how we might read, hear, think about - and feel - its words as an ancient Hebrew would have, allowing us to gain a new appreciation of "one of the most remarkable literary compositions from the ancient world," as Professor Rendsburg calls it, the book with which both Jews and Christians alike begin their Bible.

With a detailed, line-by-line literary parsing that gently probes its language, exploring how and why its effects were achieved and what the book's author-or authors-were saying, Professor Rendsburg reveals more insights than most of us have ever dreamed were there. Among those insights, you'll learn why the book of Genesis has not one but two creation stories, what hints the book's many contradictions offer about its authorship, and more.

Although this is a course whose emphasis is literary, with detailed analysis dominating, Professor Rendsburg is mindful that the book of Genesis is, for many, a theological pillar of religious faith. And he is both respectful of that reality and aware of it in an even broader historical, social, and archeological context.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2006 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2006 The Great Courses

Excellent lectures

Excellent professor! Loved it! It’s very knowledgeable and opens your eyes on many things you may miss in genesis.

Excellent Course

I found this course to be very helpful and to the point. Dr. Rendsburg explores several different interpretations and translations of Genesis and is enjoyable to listen to. The way he weaves the history and literature of numerous cultures together is also very impressive. This has definitely been one of my favorite Great Courses–I highly recommend it.

I thought I knew...

Fabulous! I thought I knew the book of Genesis, but I was mistaken. Understanding the literary genius of Genesis is wonderful. At first I didn't care for Rendsburg's voice, but once I got used to him, I appreciated his knowledge. I strongly recommend this course for anyone, believer or not. I think it will be particularly enlightening for those who have the attitude that Genesis is intended to be read literally, as history. It's so much more!

A new way to look at Genesis

I love this course!! I’ve listened to it several times and learn something new each time. I’m so glad it’s in my library and now part of my Bible study.

A nice exploration

Any additional comments?

Professor Rendsburg has an exceptional knowledge in ancient literature as well as the culture and history that surrounds it. He uses those gifts to give a fascinating and scholarly take on Genesis. Newcomers as well as seasoned studies will find new discoveries and fascinating insights. The creation accounts as well as the Abraham narrative are high points. He doesn't always conform to the scholarly norm but when he strays from it, he tells the listener, backs up his thought, and gives compelling reasons for a new look. I really enjoyed this work. Also, for those of you who want to look at a brief study on an earlier date for the Exodus, google "rendsburg exodus" and there is a pdf on that.

Overview

Lots of good information, but the Reader tells us what to conclude, based on this info. I appreciate his lerned opinion, but it is not stated as huh is opinion, but as an overriding fact. I just wish he'd share his knowledge, without telling me what I think, because he knows.

Excellent!!!

This is one of the best lectures. I learned so much Genesis is one of favourite books so to get such insight is a real treat for me. The lecturer is very good he is an outstanding teacher, he explains concepts very well and it is obvious he is well versed in this subject. I recommend to anyone interested in biblical history. Two thumbs way up.

Excellent Discussion of Genesis

I thoroughly enjoyed this scholarly discussion of Genesis as literature, history, and theology. One of the best of this genre.

Another wonderful course

I liked his objectivuty, his completely ignoring, not addressing any but academic issues.
I've heard these stories >70 years.
Now I can't begin to fathom how anyone could see this book as anything other than a olle tons of stories serving to provide a national identity, with very little inherent interest in promugating theology at all

love it.

I loved this lecture series - his emphasis on the literary quality of Genesis helped to clear up some thorny questions I had regarding this book. I hope to hear more from him in the future.