Session 1

We begin by reflecting on the role stories play in our experience as human beings. This perspective helps us as we map the story scripture tells, and encourages us to think about why this story is so compelling.

We then dive into a discussion of the scriptures’ opening sequences, looking at how Israelite imagination of creation and origins differed from the tales of surrounding cultures. The session concludes with a consideration of the chief problem or complexity proposed by the biblical narrative (in Genesis 3), emphasizing how ancient Hebrew authors centre our human capacity for good and evil.