See Me! Hear Me! Divine/Human Relational Dialogue in Genesis
by E.B. Tracy
This thesis examines relational dialogue between the Deity and human individuals in Genesis by separating the conversations from narrative through lines that most often inform biblical analysis. I am interested in snapshots of character developed in intimate conversations, when ‘face to face’ dialogue is allowed to take center stage. These conversations then become surprising and unexpected. In them the Deity talks with the first human to commit murder, not his regarded brother; recognizes a foreign slave as a unique and valued individual yet rebukes the chosen matriarch; potential heirs are dismissed and a legitimate successor only promised. All the while humans argue, cry, wrestle, laugh, and express a limited worldview, while demanding a response from their Deity. These conversations challenge our opinion of a distant Deity and push the reader to redefine their understanding of the Divine/Human relationship.
Fokkelman states, “The Bible does not contain one single instance of small talk.” This thesis examines relational dialogue between the Deity and human individuals in Genesis by separating the conversations from narrative through lines that most often inform biblical analysis. I am interested in snapshots of character developed in intimate conversations, when ‘face to face’ dialogue is allowed to take center stage. These conversations then become surprising and unexpected. In them the Deity talks with the first human to commit murder, not his regarded brother; recognizes a foreign slave as a unique and valued individual yet rebukes the chosen matriarch; potential heirs are dismissed and a legitimate successor only promised. All the while humans argue, cry, wrestle, laugh, express a limited worldview, while demanding a response from their Deity. These conversations challenge our opinion of a distant Deity and push the reader to redefine their understanding of the Divine/Human relationship.
- By (author) EB Tracy
"Elizabeth Tracy has written a well-argued and accessible book that offers new insights into divine-human dialogue and divine-human relationships in the book of Genesis. Her findings are the result of a careful blend of literary methods and theological concerns." --Karolien Vermeulen, University of Antwerp, Review of Biblical Literature, 10.23.16
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