Bill Moyers: Genesis - A Living Conversation Season 1 Episode 1 In God's Image

In the first episode of Bill Moyers: Genesis - A Living Conversation, titled "In God's Image," viewers are invited to join Moyers and a group of biblical scholars and experts in a deep exploration of the book of Genesis. The episode opens with Moyers sitting amidst ancient landscapes, explaining how the story of Genesis has shaped our understanding of who we are and where we come from.

The central theme of this episode is the creation story in Genesis, which tells the story of God creating the world and humanity in His own image. Leading scholars from a wide range of religious and academic backgrounds analyze and debate the meaning of this story, drawing on their vast knowledge of history, anthropology, and comparative religion.

Throughout the episode, viewers are taken on a journey through the history of Genesis, from its earliest forms to the modern Bible. The program covers topics such as the cultural and historical context surrounding Genesis' creation story, the concept of the divine image, the meaning of the term "day" in the creation story, and the ways in which this story has been interpreted and understood over the years.

Along the way, viewers are introduced to a range of experts in the field, including Dr. Ellen Davis, a prominent theologian and professor of Bible and practical theology at Duke Divinity School, and Dr. Serge Frolov, an assistant professor of Hebrew Bible and ancient Near Eastern studies at Yale University.

The conversation delves deeply into the idea of the divine image, what it means for humans to be made in that image and how the text can be interpreted to understand our relationship with the divine and with each other. Moyers and his guests are not shy about voicing their opinions and the conversation is filled with lively debate and exchange.

The episode also explores the role of language and metaphor in understanding Genesis. The creation story contains imagery and metaphors that have captured the imagination of people for centuries, and the experts on the show take the time to unpack what those metaphors mean and how they can inform our understanding of the divine and our place in the world.

Overall, "In God's Image" sets the stage for a deep and thought-provoking exploration of the book of Genesis. The episode lays out the groundwork for what promises to be an engaging and enlightening conversation about one of the most important and influential texts of all time. Whether you are a believer or a skeptic, there is much to learn and ponder in this fascinating discussion about the origins of humanity and our relationship with the divine.