Genesis: A Living Conversation
The stories in the book of Genesis--creation, humanity's fall, the flood, Abraham and Isaac, Joseph in Egypt, and more--have intrigued and inspired Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike for millennia. Join journalist Bill Moyers as he leads some of the most passionate and thoughtful Bible discussions ever conducted. In these lively small-group conversations, dozens of accomplished people from all walks of life and many faith traditions bring their unique perspectives to 10 well-know biblical stories. They share personal insights, challenge ideas, and ultimately learn from each other. At the center of each discussion lies the Genesis story itself--by turns elusive, uplifting, shocking, tragic, and poignant, but always endlessly fascinating.
- 1996-1996
- 1 season
- Talk & Interview
The stories in the book of Genesis--creation, humanity's fall, the flood, Abraham and Isaac, Joseph in Egypt, and more--have intrigued and inspired Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike for millennia. Join journalist Bill Moyers as he leads some of the most passionate and thoughtful Bible discussions ever conducted. In these lively small-group conversations, dozens of accomplished people from all walks of life and many faith traditions bring their unique perspectives to 10 well-know biblical stories. They share personal insights, challenge ideas, and ultimately learn from each other. At the center of each discussion lies the Genesis story itself--by turns elusive, uplifting, shocking, tragic, and poignant, but always endlessly fascinating.
Season 1 Episode Guide
10 Episodes 1996
Episode 1
Temptation
Mon, Jan 1, 1996
Episode 2
The First Murder: Cain and Abel
Wed, Oct 16, 1996
Episode 3
In God's Image
Tue, Oct 22, 1996
Episode 4
Apocalypse
Sun, Nov 3, 1996 56 mins
Profoundly disappointed in his creation, God destroys it and starts over with Noah and his family. What does the story reveal about the character of God--and of the survivors? Participants: Theologians Karen Armstrong, Alexander A. Di Lella, Samuel D. Proctor, and Burton L. Visotzky; journalist Byron E. Calame; psychologist Carol Gilligan; and poet Blu Greenberg.
Episode 5
Call and Promise
Sun, Nov 10, 1996 56 mins
When God chooses Abraham to found a dynasty, how does Abraham react? What does divine sanction mean, both for the chosen and for the "non-chosen"? Participants: Scholar Robert Alter; law professor Azizah Y. al-Hibri; novelist Bharati Mukherjee; community activist Eugene Rivers III; theologians Lewis B. Smedes and Burton L. Visotzky; and playwright-composer Elizabeth Swados.
Episode 6
A Family Affair
Sun, Nov 17, 1996 56 mins
Seeking a descendant, Abraham takes Hagar as a wife, who conceives Ishmael--engendering jealousy, division, and pain for everyone involved. Participants: Scholar Robert Alter; law professor Azizah Y. al-Hibri; novelist Bharati Mukherjee; community activist Eugene Rivers III; theologians Lewis B. Smedes and Burton L. Visotzky; and playwright-composer Elizabeth Swados.
Episode 7
The Test
Sun, Nov 24, 1996 56 mins
God's command to Abraham to sacrifice Isaac raises profoundly disturbing questions. What kind of God would make such a demand? And what kind of parent would consider obeying it? Participants: Theologians Dianne Bergant, Norman J. Cohen, Francisco O. Garcia-Treto, Seyyed Hossein Nasr, Phyllis Trible, and Burton L. Visotzky and journalist P.K. McCary.
Episode 8
Blessed Deception
Sun, Dec 1, 1996 56 mins
By engineering Isaac's blessing on Jacob, does Rebecca become the heroine of the story, or simply a schemer? And what of Esau, her passed-over son? Participants: Biochemist Leon R. Kass; writer Stephen Mitchell; theologians Elaine H. Pagels, Jean-Pierre M. Ruiz, Marianne Meye Thompson, and Robin Darling Young; and psychotherapist Naomi H. Rosenblatt.
Episode 9
God Wrestling
Sun, Dec 8, 1996 56 mins
Apparently headed for his final comeuppance, the fugitive Jacob meets God in a dream and ultimately finds himself. Participants: Theologians Walter Brueggemann, John S. Kselman, Burton L. Visotzky, and Renita J. Weems; educator Roberta Hestenes; visual artist Hugh O'Donnell; and scholar Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg.
Episode 10
Exile
Sun, Dec 15, 1996
The story of Joseph: he is precocious, blessed with the gift of reading dreams, physical beauty, and his father's love. But these very gifts cause his downfall, and he winds up in slavery and exile. Far from home, he is never far from his roots-- a familiar refrain in Genesis right from the beginning.