The Progressive Christianity Reading Group kicks off the new year on Sept. 5 at 1:00pm with its weekly one-hour Zoom gathering. “Reading Genesis” by Marilynne Robinson is our first selection. It may be found at online booksellers as well as the Evanston Library.

Robinson offers these words on the topic:

“The book of Genesis has been treated by scholars as a collection of documents by many hands, expressing different factional interests, with borrowings from other ancient literatures, marking the text as derivative. In other words, academic interpretation of Genesis has centered on the question of its basic coherency, just as fundamentalist interpretation has centered on the question of the appropriateness of reading it as literally true.
Both of these approaches preclude an appreciation of its greatness as literature, its rich articulation and exploration of themes that resonate through the whole of Scripture. “Reading Genesis” includes the full text of the King James Version of the book… is a powerful consideration of the profound meanings and promise of God’s enduring covenant with humanity. This magisterial book radiates gratitude for the constancy and benevolence of God’s abiding faith in Creation.”

The Progressive Christianity Reading Group meets online weekly during the program year. New participants are always welcome. Interested in this group and/or this book? Please contact Christie at cecook.phd@gmail.com.