The Genesis genesis

Abstract

Genesis is often accorded the lion's share of attention and reference in the current debate about the validity of the historical-critical method and the Documentary Hypothesis, its first-born child in the field of pentateuchal research. The explanation for this phenomenon perhaps lies in the role of Genesis as "the point of departure for Higher Criticism". Present day views on the historical-critical study oscillate from open declarations of the approach's bankruptcy or limitations, to a proposal of an empirical basis for the Documentary Hypothesis and to faithful adherence to the method of "classical source criticism".