Noted experts discuss the greatest story ever told! The stories in the book of Genesis-creation, humanity's fall, the flood, Abraham and Isaac, Joseph in Egypt, and more-have intrigued and inspired Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike for millennia. Join journalist Bill Moyers as he leads some of the most passionate and thoughtful Bible discussions ever conducted. In these lively small-group conversations, dozens of accomplished people from all walks of life and many faith traditions bring their unique perspectives to 10 well-known biblical stories. They share personal insights, challenge ideas, and ultimately learn from each other. At the center of each discussion lies the Genesis story itself-by turns elusive, uplifting, shocking, tragic, and poignant, but always endlessly fascinating. "Provocative" - USA Today; "Riveting" - The Boston Globe; "A thoughtful, respectful dialogue" - Houston Chronicle. In a broadcasting career spanning nearly 40 years, journalist Bill Moyers distinguished himself at Newsday, NBC, CBS, and PBS. His many honors include lifetime achievement Emmy and Peabody awards.
Athena, a label of Acorn Media, has announced that on November 9th they will release a 4-DVD set of the PBS documentary mini-series, Bill Moyers Genesis: A Living Conversation. All 10 episodes of this 1996 production will be presented in full screen video, English stereo sound, and with English subtitles. Running time is 560 minutes, and the cost is $79.99 SRP in the USA, and CA$99.99 SRP in Canada. Here is the list of contents and extras, followed by package art:
- Episode 1 In God's Image - What does it mean to be made "in God's image"? And what do the two creation accounts in Genesis suggest about the roles of the sexes? Participants: Theologians Walter Brueggemann, John S. Kselman, Burton L. Visotzky, and Renita J. Weems; educator Roberta Hestenes; visual artist Hugh O'Donnell; and scholar Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg.
- Episode 2 Temptation - Where does evil come from? And what's wrong with desiring a fruit that looks beautiful, tastes delicious, and confers wisdom-other than the fact that God forbids it? Participants: Biochemist Leon R. Kass; writer Stephen Mitchell; theologians Elaine H. Pagels, Jean-Pierre M. Ruiz, Marianne Meye Thompson, and Robin Darling Young; and psychotherapist Naomi H. Rosenblatt.
- Episode 3 The First Murder - The tale of brother killing brother features jealousy, revenge, forgiveness, justice, and mercy in the complex relationships among victim, perpetrator, and judge. Participants: Novelists John Barth, Rebecca Goldstein, Mary Gordon, Charles Johnson, Oscar Hijuelos, and Faye Kellerman and theologian Burton L. Visotzky.
- Episode 4 Apocalypse - Profoundly disappointed in his creation, God destroys it and starts over with Noah and his family. What does the story reveal about the character of God-and of the survivors? Participants: Theologians Karen Armstrong, Alexander A. Di Lella, Samuel D. Proctor, and Burton L. Visotzky; journalist Byron E. Calame; psychologist Carol Gilligan; and poet Blu Greenberg.
- Episode 5 Call and Promise - When God chooses Abraham to found a dynasty, how does Abraham react? What does divine sanction mean, both for the chosen and for the "non-chosen"? Participants: Scholar Robert Alter; law professor Azizah Y. al-Hibri; novelist Bharati Mukherjee; community activist Eugene Rivers III; theologians Lewis B. Smedes and Burton L. Visotzky; and playwright-composer Elizabeth Swados.
- Episode 6 A Family Affair - Seeking a descendant, Abraham takes Hagar as a wife, who conceives Ishmael-engendering jealousy, division, and pain for everyone involved. Participants: Scholar Robert Alter; law professor Azizah Y. al-Hibri; novelist Bharati Mukherjee; community activist Eugene Rivers III; theologians Lewis B. Smedes and Burton L. Visotzky; and playwright-composer Elizabeth Swados.
- Episode 7 The Test - God's command to Abraham to sacrifice Isaac raises profoundly disturbing questions. What kind of God would make such a demand? And what kind of parent would consider obeying it? Participants: Theologians Dianne Bergant, Norman J. Cohen, Francisco O. García-Treto, Seyyed Hossein Nasr, Phyllis Trible, and Burton L. Visotzky and journalist P.K. McCary.
- Episode 8 Blessed Deception - By engineering Isaac's blessing on Jacob, does Rebecca become the heroine of the story, or simply a schemer? And what of Esau, her passed-over son? Participants: Biochemist Leon R. Kass; writer Stephen Mitchell; theologians Elaine H. Pagels, Jean-Pierre M. Ruiz, Marianne Meye Thompson, and Robin Darling Young; and psychotherapist Naomi H. Rosenblatt.
- Episode 9 God Wrestling - Apparently headed for his final comeuppance, the fugitive Jacob meets God in a dream and ultimately finds himself. Participants: Theologians Walter Brueggemann, John S. Kselman, Burton L. Visotzky, and Renita J. Weems; educator Roberta Hestenes; visual artist Hugh O'Donnell; and scholar Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg.
- Episode 10 Exile - Gifted, talented, and handsome, Joseph survives slavery and exile by his wits. But his response to the advances made by his captor's wife raises troubling questions. Participants: Theologians Dianne Bergant, Norman J. Cohen, Francisco O. García-Treto, Seyyed Hossein Nasr, Phyllis Trible, and Burton L. Visotzky and journalist P.K. McCary.
- BONUS FEATURES
- 12-page viewer's guide with an introduction by Bill Moyers, an overview of Genesis, an essay on Genesis sources, background on the Bible translations used in this series, and more
- Biography of host Bill Moyers
  
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