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This introduction to the interpretation of Genesis encourages in-depth study of the text, and genuine grappling with the theological and historical questions raised, by providing a critical assessment of key interpreters and interpretative debates. It draws on a range of methodological approaches (author-, text- and reader-centred), as complementary rather than mutually exclusive ways of understanding the text. It also reflects the growing scholarly attention to the reception history of biblical texts, increasingly viewed as a vital aspect of interpretation rather than an optional extra.
About the author
Iain Provan was the Marshall Sheppard Professor of Biblical Studies at Regent College in Vancouver, Canada, from 1997 until 2022, when he retired and founded The Cuckoos Consultancy. He and his wife Lynette have four grown-up children, and numerous grandchildren. Iain was born and educated in the U.K., completing his final degree (PhD) at the University of Cambridge in 1987. His subsequent academic teaching career prior to emigrating to Canada took him to King's College London, the University of Wales, and the University of Edinburgh. Iain has written numerous books, essays and articles. He is an ordained minister of the Church of Scotland; a Life Member of Clare Hall, Cambridge (since 1993); and the recipient of an Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship in Germany (ongoing since 1996). He is also a qualified Provincial B Licence soccer coach (in British Columbia) and an ARA rowing coach (in the UK). His main hobby is fly-fishing. You can find out more about him - and also about the Cuckoos Consultancy - at his website, iainprovan.ca.
Summary
This introduction to the interpretation of Genesis encourages in-depth study of the text, and genuine grappling with the theological and historical questions raised, by providing a critical assessment of key interpreters and interpretative debates.
