Customer Reviews

Genesis Part I: God and His Creation (Hearts Aflame)

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I have not only read this wonderful Bible study, but have been both a participant and a facilitator in our parish's use of this study of Genesis.

As a lifelong cradle Catholic, with a renewed desire to grow in our faith, it has been a blessing for me to study Genesis like this, with constant references to the Catechism of the Catholic Church and salvation history. This study nourished my soul, my heart, and my intellect. It fostered understanding and a deeper relationship with Our Lord, while at the same time creating a sense of fellowship and community with the other ladies in the study.

I recommend this book to individuals and parishes! Until the first time I began this Hearts Aflame Genesis study, I had participated primarily in interdenominational (mostly Protestant) Bible studies because so many of the Catholic Bible studies I had tried lacked substance and relied greatly on the `What does this say to you?' approach. It is wonderful to find a substantive, and very Catholic Bible study. The blue-print to the purpose driven life,and the meaning of life is all there in Genesis. Ms. Somers, and Ms. Christmyer decode it in a way that is acessible, engaging and well-written. I highly recommend this book!

An incredible Bible study!! In all my years of teaching the Bible in both Protestant and now the Catholic church I have never had a study that has left such an impression,an almost indelible mark not only on the class but also on the teacher. One can feel almost from the very beginning the moving of the Holy Spirit.

This study of Genesis brings you right into the holy of holies. Your encounter with the God of creation ushers in a reverential awe. You get a glimpse behind the veil of this God of Glory who is fathomless in his mercy and unconditional in His love

In His creation of man we become acutely aware of the dignity of our personhood. That even though man was created from the dust of the earth we are God's work of art. This study propells in us the desire to be all the God has designed for us to be.

Yes, we agonize over the fall of man but we are able through all that fog to see that God's Glory still prevails and the end result will be far better than the first.

This Bible study is not only holy and hallowed, but entirely addictive! We cannot wait for Part 2.

Eight women from a charismatic community began a study of the Bible using Genesis Part I: God and His Creation. Our enthusiasm in the first few weeks caused others to join us and our group grew to 14. Then a second study group started and now three more groups are planning to start in the fall. The excitement for this book continues to grow.

Using the easy-to-follow format laid out in the book, our group has grown closer to God and to each other. It is a great tool for building Christ-centered relationships! The following are comments from some of the other participants in our group:

"This study made the Bible real. For the first time, I found myself actually relating to the people in the Bible. They are real, imperfect people...just like us."

"I was excited that the authors used the Catechism of the Catholic Church to integrate the Old Testament with the New Testament and Marian Doctrine."

"This is an inspired Bible Study that allows the Holy Spirit to work. It is a life-changing experience."

"I have done Bible studies forever. This is the first study that made me really get excited about the Scriptures. It is an interactive study."

"In other Bible studies I have attended, you go and listen to someone tell you about the Bible. In this study, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, you work through the verses and share them with your group. The Scriptures come alive!"

"This study was a cooperative effort between me, the Holy Spirit, and the others in our group."

"Gayle Somers's questions and format makes it easy to enter into the Scriptures and to hear God."

"Before doing this study, Genesis was my least favorite book of the Bible. While we were doing the study, I realized there was so much there that I'd never seen before! The Scriptures became real for me."

Gayle Somers and Sarah Christmyer enlightened my understanding of many of the familiar Biblical stories of Genesis, such as the Creation, Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Noah and the Flood, and the Tower of Babel. The authors were able to enhance my insights into the teachings of the Catholic Church and the practical application of Scripture into my daily life. Despite the thousands of elapsed years since the Scripture was written, it still remains a tangible and contemporary manifestation of God's love and mercy for each of us. I encourage everyone to make the time in their busy lives to embrace this study as its reward is immeasurable!

The authors of a new Catholic scripture study series contend that although we may "study" the Bible, ultimately scripture is a "place of encounter" with God. In the first of their planned series, Gayle Somers and Sarah Christmyer offer a comprehensive look at the first eleven chapters of the book of Genesis from both an intellectual and a relational perspective. These opening pages of the Bible are examined from a uniquely Catholic frame of reference, in light of Catholic tradition and Church teachings. Intended for either group or individual study, Genesis Part I: God and His Creation (Emmaus Road Publishing, November 2004, paperback, 140 pages) features a ten lesson study. A complete appendix on the reading of the first chapter of Genesis, and lesson summaries and guides are also included.

A few years ago, as the sole Catholic in an interfaith Bible study group, I would have welcomed this resource for its wonderful emphasis on Catholic fundamentals, the Catechism, the sacraments and overall Church teaching. Whether you're looking to embark on a new dedication to the discipline of scripture study, or to enhance your current knowledge of the book of Genesis, the Hearts Aflame series is to be commended.