Who Wrote Genesis?, Preview

This seminar explores the multifaceted authorship of Genesis, delving into the Documentary Hypothesis which posits that the book is a compilation of at least four distinct sources: J (Yahwist), E (Elohist), P (Priestly), and D (Deuteronomist).

Through literary criticism, we will examine how these sources are identified by their unique linguistic styles, terminology for God, thematic interests, and even anachronisms. We will analyze "doublets" and "triplets"—stories repeated with variations—to illustrate how these separate narratives were interwoven.

The seminar will highlight the distinct perspectives of each source: J, likely from the Judean court, focuses on narratives of strong female characters; E, possibly from Northern Israelite priests, emphasizes figures like Joseph and criticizes the Davidic dynasty; P, a priestly author, prioritizes law, ritual, and the Aaronic priesthood; and D, found primarily in Deuteronomy, reflects the theological agenda of King Josiah's reforms.

Ultimately, we will discuss how these diverse and often competing voices, rather than a single author, contribute to the richness and complexity of the Genesis narrative, offering a deeper understanding of its historical and theological development.