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Black-and-white close-up of hands. One hand belongs to a woman, one to a man, and one to a baby

The Imperfect Families of Genesis

The inter-religious panel discussion explores the complex stories of the ancestral families in the book of Genesis and their relevance for today. The event was organized by the Dawn Unity Group in Palos Verdes, CA.

The panel marked the 20th anniversary of the initial Dawn inter-religious forum in 2001 and brought together several founding members of the Dawn Unity Group.

Convener and Moderator:

Dr. Robert Rothman
Dawn Unity Group, Palos Verdes

Panelists:

Msgr. David Sork
St. John Fisher Catholic Church, Rancho Palos Verdes

Dr. Reinhard Krauss
Academy for Judaic, Christian, and Islamic Studies

Rabbi Ron Shulman
Congregation Beth El, La Jolla

Rev. Jonathan Chute
Rolling Hills United Methodist Church

The biblical book of Genesis contains ancestral family narratives which are complex and multilayered. Being part of their holy scriptures, the Jewish and Christian communities have reflected on the meaning and significance of these family narratives. 

The inter-religious panel discussion will discuss the historical context of these narratives, their theological impact on the Jewish and Christian traditions over time, and lessons for our own understanding of family in the 21st century.

Watch the recording: