In the Beginning:
The Book of Genesis

In the Beginning: The Book of Genesis examines the earliest events in biblical history to consider how they’ve shaped our Christian faith. This 28-lesson Catholic Bible study from Turning to God’s Word has been granted an imprimatur from the Most Reverend Richard E. Pates, bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Des Moines. Written by Jennifer McGaw Phelps and Matthew Phelps, In the Beginning: The Book of Genesis is intended to provide a strong foundation for serious examination and contemplation of other books of the Bible. The first seven lessons provide an in-depth look at the scriptural accounts of Creation, the Fall of Adam and Eve, the story of Cain and Abel, and the Great Flood; remaining lessons focus on the lives of the patriarchs and the role that each played in preparing for the coming of Jesus Christ. You can purchase In the Beginning: The Book of Genesis from our website shop.

Check out our online study pages for additional commentary and video overviews to accompany each lesson. In addition, our online glossary for In the Beginning: The Book of Genesis lists every proper noun included in the biblical text, and a separate online page links to Revised Standard Version (Catholic Edition) cross references in the primary biblical text. Links to the online glossary, the cross references, and free video overviews for each lesson are accessible at the top of every online study page for In the Beginning: The Book of Genesis. Other features include maps of the patriarchs’ travels, an expanding family tree tracing genealogies in the book of Genesis, and colorful illustrations by Tami Palladino. 

In the Beginning: The Book of Genesis lessons are listed below; each is inked to its corresponding  online study page and video overview:

Lesson 1 And God Said, ‘Let There Be Light’*
Lesson 2 ‘It Is Not Good That the Man Should Be Alone’
Lesson 3 The Fall of Adam & Eve
Lesson 4 Cain Rose Up Against His Brother
Lesson 5 The Wickedness of Man Was Great
Lesson 6 The Great Flood & God’s Covenant with Noah
Lesson 7 Canaan: A Slave of Slaves
Lesson 8 The Call of Abram
Lesson 9 Abram Questions the Lord GOD
Lesson 10 God’s Covenant with Abraham
Lesson 11 The Destruction of Sodom & Gomorrah
Lesson 12 The Birth of Isaac
Lesson 13 God Tests Abraham
Lesson 14 Isaac & Rebekah
Lesson 15 The Brothers Esau & Jacob
Lesson 16 Isaac Blesses Jacob; Jacob’s Dream at Bethel
Lesson 17 Jacob & Rachel
Lesson 18 Jacob Separates from Laban
Lesson 19 Jacob Wrestles at Penuel
Lesson 20 The Story of Dinah
Lesson 21 The Birth of Benjamin & the Death of Rachel
Lesson 22 Joseph Is Sold into Slavery by His Brothers
Lesson 23 Judah & Tamar; Joseph & Poti-phar’s Wife
Lesson 24 Joseph Interprets Dreams
Lesson 25 Joseph’s Brothers Travel to Egypt
Lesson 26 Joseph Discloses His Identity to His Brothers
Lesson 27 Thus Israel Dwelt in Egypt
Lesson 28 Jacob’s Final Words to His Sons

*includes a sample lesson

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