Genesis 1-11: A Narrative Theological Commentary combines critical acumen with concern for the theological message of Scripture. It is a commentary in two stages. First, the text is allowed to speak for itself, using a narrative approach. Then, specific Jewish and Christian traditions flowing from the text are identified, and the underlying hermeneutical moves analyzed.
James Chukwuma Okoye, CSSp, is Director of the Center for Spiritan Studies at Duquesne University, Pittsburgh. He was the Stuhlmueller Professor of Old Testament Studies at Catholic Theological Union, Chicago. He studied in the Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome and Oxford University, England.
“With new readings in dialogue with previous commentators, Okoye takes the best insights of narrative theology and of the biblical author to produce a rewarding reading of this problematic book for today, in a way that truly respects a Jewish reading in the context of a Christian one.”
—Carolyn Osiek, RSCJ, Archivist, Society of the Sacred Heart, United States-Canada Province
“A mosaic of supportive interpretations—early Jewish and Christian, patristic, extra-biblical, inter-textual, African, and feminist—situate this narrative criticism of Genesis within a trajectory of theological interpretation, religious meaning, and methodology in the Old Testament. Its masterful in-depth analysis of biblical characters gives the reader easier access to a viewpoint from which to understand God’s involvement in the ambiguities of human life.”
—Mary Sylvia Nwachukwu, author of Creation-Covenant Scheme and Justification by Faith
“This commentary is the product of one who has carefully listened to the voice of the narrator of the first eleven chapters of Genesis and then engages that narrator as a dialogue partner in drawing out meaning for the Christian faith. James Okoye has combined informed scholarship, theological insight, and pastoral sensitivity with a clarity of style to produce a commentary that readers will find informative, engrossing, and delightful.”
—Leslie J. Hoppe, OFM, Carroll Stuhlmueller Distinguished Professor of Old Testament Studies at Catholic Theological Union, General Editor, The Catholic Biblical Quarterly
“Okoye offers a fresh, critical, and evocative reading of Genesis 1-11 rooted in a ‘Narrative Method/Reading.’ He adds illuminating insights from West African traditions that are absent from western theology. He includes perspectives from coloniality with finesse, yet allows these views to deeply challenge earlier exposes of Genesis 1-11. This is a must-read for biblical scholars and theologians.”
—George Worgul, Professor of Theology, Duquesne University
“. . . While there are numerous commentaries on Gen 1-11, Okoye's approach stands apart in its attention to a vast mosaic ofancient, medieval, and modern voices within its narrative-theological framework.”
—Aaron R. Woods, Asbury Theological Seminary (as reviewed in the Bulletin for Biblical Research, doi: IO.5325/bullbiblrese.29.3.0403)
“The book offers a wealth of information, insight, and interpretation that illustrates the
richness of Gen 1-11 for nonspecialists and at the same time invites biblical scholars to reflect on the multivalent nuances of the text from ancient and contemporary perspectives.”
— Joan Cook, Sisters of Charity (as reviewed in the 05/2019 issue of RBL)
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