The Universal Story: Genesis 1–11

Transformative Word

by Dru Johnson, Craig G. Bartholomew (Editor), David Beldman (Editor)

The opening chapters of Genesis tell us the story of how humans relate to our world -- and to God.

Genesis 1-11 is a parade stories of humanity intertwined with the most intriguing subjects we still wrestle with the beginning of the cosmos, the nature of humanity, family, sex, deceit, death, murder, mass murder, ecology, agriculture, urbanization, and more.

In The Universal Story , Dru Johnson shows how Genesis 1-11 is written in a way that informs the rest of biblical history--including the exodus, the kings of Israel, the exile, the Gospels, and early church. Genesis 1-11 presents a story of humanity that seeks to explain the background of every human endeavor. It is the universal story --the story of stories--because it is a story about how all of these things came to be the way the Hebrews understood them to be. These bizarre and ancient stories frame the story of God and His plan for earth and humanity. Through these stories, God speaks and pleads with us. Let us learn how to listen and hear God's voice well in Genesis 1-11 and throughout the rest of Scripture.

Genres: Theology, Biblical Studies, Spirituality, Old Testament

107 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2018

About the author

Dru Johnson (PhD, University of St. Andrews) is Templeton Senior Research Fellow and director of the Abrahamic Theistic Origins Project at Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford. He is also a visiting professor at Hope College, director of the Center for Hebraic Thought, editor of the Routledge Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Biblical Criticism series, and cohost of the OnScript podcast. His books include Biblical Philosophy and Human Rites: The Power of Rituals, Habits, and Sacraments. Johnson splits his time between Holland, Michigan, and Oxford, England.

Reviews

[Jordan Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let’s say 3.5 Stars. I really enjoyed the majority of this book but it got a little strange in the last two chapters. The title of “the dirtling” is genius, and I’ll definitely be using that going forward.

[Neil Kruger · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid thematic commentary on the first eleven chapters of Genesis that successfully demonstrates how this condensed early history is foundational to the rest of Scripture, its redemptive storyline, and our knowledge of God.

The final two reflective chapters are an excellent engagement with science and ethics.

[Jay Merrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good insights, though I was hoping for a bit more depth.

[Chad Grissom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a commentary on the book of Genesis. Rather, it argues for the normative role that Genesis 1-11 should play in shaping how we think about everything from sexual ethics to ecology. Johnson intends to "fire our imaginations" with examples of how this section of Scripture should inform our decisions and actions today. It is the "universal" story because it is how we are to narrate and understand every aspect of our lives.

One example might suffice to see what he is up to. He suggestions that Christians sometimes have the view that God alone is in charge of taking care of Creation and that humans don't really have to concern themselves with that. On the other hand, today many people think the burden is entirely on human shoulders to steward the environment. Johnson argues that Genesis presents a picture in which God cares for creation and calls people into partnership with him in the stewardship of the world.

This is a short, stimulating, and invigorating read and it is a great invitation to return to Genesis to discover who we are and how we are to live.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Genesis 1-11 is the story of stories, it reaches into all of our stories today. It’s only in these chapters where we can begin to answer how we go about the task of living together well while struggling with a world that is not altogether well.” This is a great, rich little book on how Genesis 1-11 echoes through and informs the rest of the biblical canon. Johnson gives a brief commentary on the text, followed by several ethical conclusions, including ecological and sexual ethics. Highly recommended.

[Terence Tan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a commentary. Light enough for the everyday Christian to get into. Sprinkled with insights for the veteran defender of the faith to ponder upon. Less than 150 pages, it will not answer all your questions on Genesis 1-11. Whatever answers you get will lead you to more questions.

I'm glad I now know exactly what went wrong in Eden.

Full review: https://readingandreaders.com/podcast...

[Ian Clary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful book that sets Genesis 1-11 as an archetype of sorts for the rest of Scripture and indeed history. Accessible, balanced, answers interesting questions (i.e. who were the Nephilim), and rounds the discussion about how science and ethics relate to these important verses. I enjoyed this.

[Ricardo Cifuentes · Rating 4 out of 5]

El Génesis siempre ha sido un libro con muchas interrogantes para los creyentes a lo largo del tiempo, este libro tiene ideas interesantes y condensadas, además que logra enfocarse no en historia sino en lo que realmente debe enfocarse, en la lectura del libro desde un punto de vista teológico.

[Tim Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid reflective introduction to Genesis 1-11. This would go quite well with a small group Bible study.

The writer looks from angles brought forward from the text most of the time. I really enjoyed how practical most of this book is.

At times, a bit more depth at times would've been nice.

[JonM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really handy little book for self study or group study

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good, in-depth look into the first half of Genesis.