Genesis: A Beginner's Guide to the Beginning

Explore the Bible's first stories of creation, conflict, judgment, and mercy. Genesis: A Beginner's Guide to the Beginning invites readers into the foundational stories of the Old Testament with clarity, depth, and imagination. Amy-Jill Levine presents Genesis as a living text, one that continues to shape faith, identity, and our understanding of what it means to be human. These familiar stories are often heard in fragments; here, they are explored with care, curiosity, and theological insight. With her signature blend of historical context and engaging storytelling, Levine opens up the book of beginnings, attending to its beauty, tensions, and enduring questions. She invites readers to linger with stories of creation and responsibility, rivalry and loss, judgment and mercy, promise and perseverance, revealing how these ancient narratives still speak with power today. This study explores key stories from Genesis, including: - The Garden of Eden - Cain and Abel - Noah's Ark - The Near Sacrifice of Isaac - Jacob's Stairway to Heaven - Joseph's Saga Whether you are encountering Genesis for the first time or returning with fresh questions, this book offers a thoughtful and inviting companion. Levine does more than explain what happens in these stories. She shows why they matter, bridging ancient Scripture and modern life and inviting readers to engage the book of beginnings with wisdom and wonder. Each book includes everything you need for a meaningful study experience, plus a companion code to redeem on Amplify Media and stream all video sessions and leader resources. Internet connection required. Code is non-transferable, may not be sold separately, and is subject to expiration. Ideal for: Individual study, church small groups, Sunday school classes, and congregational studies.

Author: Amy-Jill Levine
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Published: 08/04/2026
Pages: 192
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.43lbs
Size: 8.43h x 5.62w x 0.56d
ISBN: 9781791032364

About the Author
Amy-Jill Levine ("AJ") is Rabbi Stanley M. Kessler Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace and University Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies Emerita, Mary Jane Werthan Professor of Jewish Studies Emerita, and Professor of New Testament Studies Emerita at Vanderbilt University. An internationally renowned scholar and teacher, she is the author of numerous books including The Difficult Words of Jesus: A Beginner's Guide to His Most Perplexing Teachings, Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi, Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginner's Guide to Holy Week, Light of the World: A Beginner's Guide to Advent, Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner's Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven, and Signs and Wonders: A Beginner's Guide to the Miracles of Jesus. She is also the coeditor of the Jewish Annotated New Testament. AJ is the first Jew to teach New Testament at Rome's Pontifical Biblical Institute. In 2021 she was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. AJ describes herself as an unorthodox member of an Orthodox synagogue and a Yankee Jewish feminist who until 2021 taught New Testament in a Christian divinity school in the buckle of the Bible Belt.