Biblical art in Catholic churches
Tag: Genesis
After describing the creation of the world, the book of Genesis then turns its attention to the arrival of the first humans. In doing so, it reveals important truths about how God wanted the world to be. It speaks to issues of human identity, of our role in creation and of our relationship with God. … Continue reading The Creation of Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:1-25)
After Joseph had been sold as a slave in Egypt, his life took a series of twists and turns. His new owner was one of Pharaoh’s most senior bodyguards and at first things went well. But then his owner’s wife falsely accused him of rape and he was sent to prison, where he would spend … Continue reading Joseph’s life in Egypt (Genesis 39:1-45:28)
After the Fall of Adam and Eve, Genesis says that God spoke to each of those involved (the snake, the woman and the man) about the consequences of their sin. While explaining the punishment they would each receive, he also provided reassurance to Adam and Eve that all was not lost. God said to the … Continue reading The First Gospel (Genesis 3:14-19)
While he was in his forties, Jacob had a dream about God that changed his life forever. The dream took place while he was on the run from his brother, Esau, who he had cheated out of his birthright. To escape his angry twin, Jacob was sent by his parents to stay with his uncle … Continue reading Jacob’s Ladder (Genesis 28:10-22)
The famous story of the Temptation of Adam and Eve touches on several themes. This includes the nature of temptation, the power of free will and what later became known as the teaching of ‘Original Sin’. While describing a real event, the story contains a number of symbols. While living in the Garden of Eden, … Continue reading The Temptation & Fall (Genesis 3:1-24)
Sarah, the wife of Abraham, is an important figure in Jewish history. Her story is told in the book of Genesis. Through her son Isaac, she and her husband were the original ancestors of the nation of Israel, as well as its later kings. Originally named Sarai, she was from the Sumerian city of Ur. … Continue reading Sarah the mother of Isaac (Genesis 21:1-7)
The book of Genesis tells us that Jacob, the ancestor of the nation of Israel, had twelve sons in total. His favourite son was Joseph, the firstborn son of his beloved wife Rachel. However, the teenage Joseph was not popular with his other brothers. There were three reasons for this. Firstly, he used to report … Continue reading Joseph is betrayed by his brothers (Genesis 37:1-36)
This painting by the Benedictine nun and artist Sister Petra Clare is based on the famous Russian icon by Andrei Rublev, known as the Trinity or the Hospitality of Abraham. The story of Abraham's warm welcome of three strangers contains a number of messages - the foretelling of a miraculous birth, as well as the importance of … Continue reading The Hospitality of Abraham (Genesis 18:1-15)
Lo & Behold 