Self, Struggle and Change: Family Conflict Stories in Genesis and Their Healing Insights for Our Lives

Cohen, one of the panelists on Bill Moyers's PBS series on Genesis, has written an intriguing search for meaning in the Genesis stories. In his introduction, Cohen explains how he used the Jewish practice of midrash (close examination of and commentary on biblical texts) to read the Genesis stories with an eye toward extracting insight into contemporary family relationships. According to Cohen, the Genesis stories of sibling rivalry and family conflict embody our struggles with discord both within ourselves and with others. Thus, the story of Adam and Eve illustrates that we must unite the opposing elements within us to find our true selves, while the story of Cain and Abel questions our ability radically to change our lives for the good. Since Genesis ends with the unification of all the tribes of Israel, Cohen believes we will also be able to unify the conflicts within us and overcome our differences with others. Although somewhat simplistic, Cohen's interpretations will be of value to many people who use the Bible as a guidebook for their daily lives. (Dec.)