01: Genesis

Join us for an in-depth exploration into the book of Genesis with Dr. Kathryn Schifferdecker as we explore the first book of the Bible.

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Join guest, Dr. Kathryn Schifferdecker, Old Testament professor at Luther Seminary, for an engaging Genesis Bible study that explores the foundational stories of the Bible’s first book. This episode examines Genesis from creation through Joseph, covering both the primeval history (chapters 1-11) and the family narratives of Abraham and his descendants (chapters 12-50). Dr. Schifferdecker unpacks major themes including creation, sin, covenant, promise, and faith, while explaining why Genesis is not a science textbook but rather a profound theological work that establishes God as creator of the cosmos and reveals humanity’s relationship with the divine.

This Genesis Bible study goes beyond Sunday school stories to uncover the theological depth and relevance of Genesis for today. Discover the dysfunctional dynamics of Abraham’s family, the powerful symbolism of Jacob wrestling with God, and how these ancient narratives continue to shape Christian faith and theology. Whether you’re new to Bible study or seeking deeper insights, this conversation offers practical wisdom about creation stewardship, the nature of faith, and God’s faithfulness despite human sin. This episode is part of The Bible in a Year from Luther Seminary podcast, journeying through Scripture one book at a time over 52 weeks.

Featuring

Kathryn Schifferdecker

Kathryn M Schifferdecker is Professor and Elva B. Lovell Chair of Old Testament at Luther Seminary. Ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in 2001, Schifferdecker was associate pastor for five years at Trinity Lutheran Church, Arkdale, Wisconsin, before coming to Luther in 2006. Schifferdecker is a frequent contributor to Working Preacher, Word & World, and the author of "Out of the Whirlwind: Creation Theology in the Book of Job" (Harvard University Press, 2008). She is currently writing a commentary on the book of Esther.

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Hosted By

Katie Langston

Katie Langston is a doubter by nature and a believer by grace. She grew up Mormon in a small Utah town and still isn't sure she fits in anywhere sophisticated enough to have a Target. She's the author of Sealed: An Unexpected Journey into the Heart of Grace, an acclaimed spiritual memoir about her conversion to orthodox Christianity. Katie is Pastor of Mission and Outreach at New Promise Lutheran Church in St. George, Utah. From 2020-2025, she was the director of digital strategy for Luther Seminary's innovation team, where she oversaw digital projects aimed at cultivating vibrant Christian spirituality in a post-modern, post-Christian cultural context.

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Kristofer Phan Coffman

Kristofer Phan Coffman is Assistant Professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary. He received his Ph.D. from the Department of Classical and Near Eastern Religion and Cultures at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Kristofer is, to the best of his knowledge, the first Cambodian to receive a doctoral degree in any aspect of biblical studies or the study of the ancient world. He brings his own experience as a first generation Cambodian-American to his readings of the biblical text in an effort to help readers reframe their reading of ancient texts as a cross-cultural interaction, hoping to build skills both for the reading of the biblical text as well as the modern task of relating to people from cultures different than their own. In addition to his work in the New Testament, Kristofer writes on food, farming and sustainability. His first book, Harrowing the Gospels: A Cambodian (American) Rereading of Agriculture in Mark and Matthew will be published in the Brill Biblical Interpretation Series in Fall 2025, and he is currently writing a book on reading the Bible with cultural sensitivity for Baker Academic.

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About The Bible in a Year Podcast

This podcast guides you on a journey through the books of the Bible, providing insights on how Scripture can shape your life today. Each episode focuses on one or two books of the Bible in fun, engaging, and authentic conversations between Luther Seminary faculty and guest Bible scholars who are experts on the book(s) in question. Join us as we make our way through the Bible in a year — new episodes drop every Wednesday in 2026!

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Featuring

Kathryn Schifferdecker

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Hosted By

Katie Langston

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Kristofer Phan Coffman

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