Encountering the Old Testament, 3rd Edition
A Christian Survey
series: Encountering Biblical Studies
Materials available for professors by request only
Chapter
4. Genesis 1–11: The Prelude to Israel
Discussion Questions
- How does the Genesis creation account vary from the Mesopotamian account?
- How would you explain creatio ex nihilo, and what does this say about the person of God?
- Why do you think that God ordered the creation by days?
- How does the story of Noah and the flood compare with the Gilgamesh Epic?
- What is the spiritual lesson to be learned from the story of the tower of Babel?
Class Activities
- Divide the class into seven groups. Assign each group a day of the creation. Have each group look at the creation using several different translations and discuss what the creation reveals about God’s nature. End the session with feedback to the entire class with each group presenting its conclusion. Class time allowed: 30 minutes.
- Select five students to participate in a group. One member will serve as a moderator and the other two will be put in two pairs. Have these students present a debate on the topic: “Is the Answer to Creation Theistic Evolution?” Class time allowed: 30 minutes.
- Select media that will discuss the issues of creationism. Follow this with a discussion.