God Saw That It Was Good, Not Perfect

Huli Ramantswana's canonical-dialogic reading of Genesis 1-3 is a good example of how contemporary approaches to biblical studies can uncover novel and exciting perspectives on biblical narratives. The author demonstrates how these passages, beyond the concerns of prior historical-critical or other synchronic approaches, reveal several layers of dialogue, within various units of the text, between adjacent units of Gen 1-3 and between this passage and other passages in the Hebrew canon. The result of such dialogical reading shows a more complex scenario than a simple motion between a perfect creation in Gen 1:1-2:4 and a degenerate creation in Gen 2:5-3. Rather, the question of good and bad, as two sides of a coin, remain interwoven into the tapestry of the entire narrative, and for the good reason of propelling a non-ideal creation towards its full potential. I recommend this work to students, scholars, and pastors alike, both for its academic rigor and for its ease of language. Michael K. Mensah, PhD Lecturer, Department for the Study of Religions, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana This is a fascinating book. Its canonical-dialogical reading goes beyond traditional methods and church dogmas, and tries to do justice to the multiple voices about creation found in the Old Testament. In Genesis 1-3, creation is portrayed as ""very good"" and inherently bad simultaneously. The book's canonical-dialogic approach interrogates the ongoing internal dialogue in Genesis 1-3 and within the wider Old Testament, including other creation traditions in the Psalter and the Prophets, and the building of the sanctuary in the second half of Exodus. This book will stimulate debate in the church and academia about our understanding of creation. Esias E. Meyer, DTh Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew Scriptures, University of Pretoria, South Africa In his exploration of the concept ""God saw that it was good,"" Professor Ramantswana highlights the importance of intertextuality within the creation narrative, particularly in the passages of Genesis 1:1-2:4a and Genesis 2:4b-25. He emphasizes that a thorough understanding of this complex idea requires examining the internal dialogue among these texts. The book also delves into the conflicts presented within the creation story, focusing on different paradigms. This examination is designed to aid both scholars and everyday readers of the Bible, regardless of their religious background, in their spiritual growth and understanding. Professor Ramantswana argues that the creation narrative is multifaceted and becomes challenging to interpret when its various elements are viewed in isolation. By treating the creation story as a cohesive whole, the book enables readers to gain a more comprehensive understanding of its dynamics. Tshokolo J. Makutoane, PhD Academic Head of the Department of Hebrew, University of the Free State, South Africa