The Book of Genesis (Ignatius Catholic Study Bible)

Great resource to mature in my faith

This first offering of the Old Testament canon from the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible continues in the great tradition of the New Testament booklets in the same series (now compiled into one volume).Each volume of the series begins with a general introduction to the entire series. This section covers Catholic Church teaching on inspiration and inerrancy, biblical authority, the senses of Scripture, criteria for biblical interpretation, and using the study guide. A great overview that is required reading for anyone new to the series but, I dare say, it should be read every time one begins a new study. It provides Catholic and non-Catholic users alike an authentic and concise (but thorough) explanation of official Church teaching regarding the Bible.The next introduction is devoted to Genesis itself. Authorship and dating, structure, literary background, and more are covered here. Written in a fairly scholarly manner, but accessible to any educated and interested reader, it provides a fine overview and jumping off point to begin one's study.In the text itself, extensive footnotes often fill up a third of a page, and sometimes a half a page or more. Icon annotations related to the Church's three criteria for biblical interpretation (content and unity, living tradition, and analogy of faith) are once again used, as appropriate, in the footnotes. These icons are particularly helpful to a user who may be pursuing a particular angle in his study or research. In substance, the footnotes are loaded. There is frequent reference to other Scripture passages, non-canonical religious and secular ancient texts, works of the Fathers of the Church, official Church documents (especially the Catechism of the Catholic Church), and explanation of Hebrew, Greek (LXX), and Latin (Vulgate) words and names. In addition, an appreciation of the culture and mores of these ancient times is provided to the reader through clear explanations.Deeper dives into the material are provided through maps, charts, essays, and word studies distributed generously throughout the text. All are valuable and should be used, but the charts and essays are absolutely indispensable.Study questions for each chapter fill up a dozen pages at the end of the booklet. Questions "for understanding" reinforce important passages and themes in the text and information found in the footnotes. "For application" questions challenge the studier personally here and now. All questions are substantial and well thought out, thus helping to ensure retention of material and provoking of thought. Great for all users, but particularly helpful for Bible study facilitators, since the latter will not (necessarily) have to provide questions for discussion themselves.I was surprised to find that the booklet is in large format (8 ½ x 11) compared to the NT series (6 x 9). This allows for easier reading and larger margins for notes, while permitting the user to lay it flat. The notes pages in the back of the NT booklets have been eliminated with this volume; retaining a couple pages or more specifically for notes would have been nice, particularly anticipating its use in formal Bible studies.Although it is touched upon in the general introduction to the series, I would have liked to have seen a dedicated overview of the Old Testament in general in this volume. Expanding on the Church's teaching on Catholic understanding of the OT (as found succinctly in Dei verbum 14-16), would have helped the reader or Bible study facilitator to better orient himself when reading this and subsequent OT texts.This booklet provides an excellent study of the first book of the Bible. Indispensable for personal study or devotion, group study, homily aid, or scholarly research, this volume should be in the library of every Christian (and non-Christian for that matter) serious about understanding the Scriptures better and appreciating them more deeply.Hopefully this introduction to the Old Testament will spur a new appreciation for these books, which "written under divine inspiration, remain permanently valuable" (DV 14), and inspire many to lead or form Bible study groups. For anyone who finds the Hebrew Scriptures intimidating or not particularly relevant, The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: Genesis works powerfully to eliminate both of these issues.

I am taking a Bible study course. This a great book to study in depth one of the books of the Bible.

I have always had difficulty studying the Bible.Part of it is...- the small text,-the intimidating volume,-feeling I must figure out what it means on my own (though I have taken Bible studies, I do not always have time for them. Though I have a study Bible, the tiny text & psychological weight of the entire text weighs on my focus.)To have this large booklet, with its ample margins, notes, & study aids is such marvelousness! Daily I look forward to opening it, reading it, digesting it.When I hold, just one book in my hands, my mind is able to relax without worrying how it relates to the rest of the Bible because the notes address that for me. I do not have to be a scholar, I can be a student!The barriers I felt have been removed, and I am grateful.I hope they always keep these individual books available for others who need the meal in bite-sized portions.This format is, to me, a treasure!p.s. Remember, Catholics receive an indulgence for reading the Bible 15" or more daily!

It all starts with Genesis if you are a believer. Yet, so many controversies swirl around the topic of our beginning in the church. This clarifies and keeps consistent that God created the world and all that is in it from absolute nothingness. God started everything according to HIS plan, and not just chance. After creation he allowed free will at almost every level, yet still is in control. A comforting fact for all I hope.If every believer would read just this book, they'd be more steeped into the reverence we should hold for God. Each verse of the creation is covered and it's meaning which I believe sets the record straight on the Catholic teaching consistent with the Second Edition Catechism of the Catholic church.Nothing is more central than this belief, from this book starts the physical world and human lineage that leads to Christ our Savior. Try as we may, we can't save ourselves and we're born into a sinful world now. Salvation clearly starts with Genesis as you read it and learn you'll become more thankful for God's forgiveness and grace. It also really reminds us of God's so wanting to be near us. Don't reject him, he still calls us while we are in the "Garden" here on earth. Sometimes we run and hide as did Adam and Eve, but he still loves us so very much so we can be forgiven and let him teach us if we will only listen.

Regrettably it describes the creation accounts as “ancient cosmologies” as if the events in creation are not historical. This modernist terminology is influenced by the myth of evolution. None of the Fathers of the Church, Doctors of the Church or saints use this flawed language of “ancient cosmologies” to describe Genesis. Stay away form this modernist garbage. All the Father of the Church taught that creation did not happen through natural processes, but was a supernatural event.

I like this study Bible. It's clear and easy to follow. I am still studying from it. The only downside which is important is... that having to buy these study Bibles individually works out expensive. Not really meant for those that are poor or on low incomes.

This is a perfect book for studying the Bible.

I would recommend this to anyone reading Genesis for the first time or the thirty first time. I love the kindle version because I can quickly flip to the notes and then back to the text to continue the narrative . I am moving to the Exodus Bible study next. I did Fr. Mike's Bible in a Year in 2021 and now I'm doing one of Dr. Hahn's studies each month to add to my learnings.

Particularly well explained is the way in which reading the Bible should be approached. An excellent study Bible, I have read through the pages of this and others in this series countless times and continue to grow and learn in faith.

Awesome Study, easy to understand right into the depths of the holy scriptures