On Genesis

About this book

"This is the first English translation of the Venerable Bede's Latin commentary on the book of Genesis. Dealing as it does with the biblical account of the creation of the world and of humankind, and of humankind's fall from grace and exile into the life of time. On Genesis offers essential insights into Bede's fundamental assumptions as a theologian, historian, and scientific cosmologist. Bede's role in laying the foundations of the modern world cannot be overemphasised. From his quantitative approach to questions of science to his introduction of the Anno Domini system of dating and his text-critical methods of biblical analysis, he anticipated and influenced modern ways of thinking. Bede regarded the opening chapters of Genesis as the foundation narrative of the world. From this narrative he derived the theoretical basis for his scientific treatises and his notion of the English as a chosen people of God, which informs the Ecclesiastical History."--Jacket.