Source Readings

A) From Louth's Ancient Christian Commentary on Genesis 1-11

1) "Introduction to Genesis 1-11"

Reader: Page 192 (Original xxxix – xl)

2) "Theological Issues"

Reader: Pages 196-198 (Original xlvii-lii)

3) Skip, read, focus

The pages 199-217 contain various commentary by early Christians on particular passages from Genesis 1 and Genesis 2.

For example, we can read what Augustine says about “Heaven and earth are the formless matter of the universe” (Gen. 1:1), and how Ambrose interprets “The Spirit was moving over the face of the waters” (Gen.1:2).

I suggest you thumb through various parts of this section and find a few you find interesting for our discussion in class. Of particular interest will be the passages that discuss the creation of mankind (Gen1:26-28 and separately in Gen2).

4) Pope Benedict (Cardinal Ratzinger) "In the Beginning..."

The readings by Pope Benedict (Cardinal Ratzinger) directly relate to these commentaries. Here Pope Benedict states the Catholic understanding of the Creation of the world and of mankind, and, importantly, how and why we (Catholics) are to read Genesis and the Gospels.

Play close attention to these aspects and connect them as continue to do with our readings.

 

*Note: Pagels’ chapter “One Bishop; One God” (we read for 2/19) will connect with our next Pagel’s chapter “From the Feast of Agape to the Nicene Creed,” and “The Gospels in Conflict: John and Thomas.” Do keep this in mind as we move forward.

All the readings are located in our course reader - Bring to class