The theme of the discussion will be based primarily on the two accounts of Creation found in Genesis 1 and 2, and the facilitator should be fully familiar with the texts before beginning. The conversation will likely touch on a number of relevant topics, with no one subject covered to the complete satisfaction of the group. While there are no rigid boundaries to the discussion, it is important for the program organizer to maintain a focus on the issue of human interaction with the environment. It is also important to remember that this is a program that must have a beginning and an end. Be flexible in allowing issues not touched on in this program outline to be discussed, but be careful to keep track of time and emphasize at the close of the program that this is only the start of an ongoing discussion.
1) Genesis 1 - 15 minutes
Explain to the group that this program is meant to explore ideas of our relationship with God and nature through the Creation narrative found in Genesis. Have a volunteer with a dramatic touch read the first story of Creation (Genesis 1-2:3). After the story has been read, ask the group to respond to the following questions according to the text:
- What were things like before the work of Creation was begun? How does Creation make life as we know it possible?
- What is God's attitude toward and relationship with the whole of Creation?
- How is the relationship between God and humanity characterized? Humankind's relationship with the rest of Creation?
- Does God give humankind certain privileges or responsibilities?
2) Genesis 2 - 10 minutes
When the group has finished going through these questions, have another volunteer read the second story of Creation (Genesis 2:4-2:24). Ask the group to answer the same set of questions as before. Does this account change any of the answers given earlier?
3) Achieving Balance - 10 minutes
Ask the group what they think it means to be created in God's image.
Are commands to master the land and to tend the garden mutually exclusive?
4) Conclusion - 15 minutes
End the program by asking the group to discuss the following words of the late philosopher Abraham Joshua Heschel in light of what they have said up to this point:
- "There are three ways in which we may relate ourselves to the world - we may exploit it, we may enjoy it, we may accept it in awe." (Abraham Joshua Heschel, God in Search of Man, 1955)
What does each of these three ways mean? What are some "activities" that would fall under each category? How are they related? Does on or another fit more closely with Genesis 1? Genesis 2?
