Through this lesson the student will learn how the Priestly writer structures the world - in time and space - and what the Priestly Writer envisions the status and role of humans in the world.

Bible: Genesis 1:1-2:3; Exodus 31:12-18; Psalm 8

Lecture: The Priestly Creation Myth

Handouts: The Purpose of Creation Myths

Ancient Near Eastern Texts: Enuma Elish

Interpret the role of humans as presented in the Priestly creation myth.

Each of the biblical creation myths present a distinct view of the role of humans. Examine the priestly myth on its own terms. What "kind" of human is viewed in this myth? What is the relationship of humans to God and other creatures? How do humans in this myth differ from the presentation of humans in the Yahwist myth or in Mesopotamian myths?

How is creation in the Priestly myth similar to creation in the Enuma Elish? How is creation different?

How does the Priestly myth differ from the Yahwist creation myth? How has the Priestly creation myth shaped the way we read the Yahwist creation myth? What is the Priestly Writer's own contribution to the understanding of creation?

How are humans in the image of God? What does human dominion over the earth entail? How should humans subdue the earth? How is the Priestly Writer's view of humans different from the Yahwist's view?

What is the Priestly Writer's view of God?

Other questions for discussion are raised in the lecture.

Jon D. Levenson. Creation and the Persistence of Evil: The Jewish Drama of Divine Omnipotence. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1988. Pp. 53-127.

Bernhard F. Batto. Slaying the Dragon: Mythmaking in the Biblical Tradition. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1992. Pp. 73-101.

Bernhard W. Anderson. From Creation to New Creation: Old Testament Perspectives. Overtures to Biblical Theology. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1994.