Evil in Genesis:
A Contextual Analysis of Hebrew Lexemes
for Evil in the Book of Genesis
by Dr. Ingrid Faro
Understanding Evil in Genesis and Its Significance
For leaders, counselors, and people-helpers working with victims and survivors of abuse, understanding the biblical concept of evil is crucial. Evil in Genesis by Dr. Ingrid Faro provides a deep, contextual analysis of the Hebrew words for evil in the book of Genesis, shedding light on its meaning and implications. By exploring the origins and development of the concept of evil in Scripture, this book equips readers with a richer theological understanding, helping them navigate difficult questions about suffering, justice, and God’s sovereignty.
Dr. Faro’s work is particularly relevant to those in Christian counseling and pastoral care, as it provides a biblical foundation for addressing the impact of evil in the world. As a guest on Safe to Hope (Season 6), she shared insights into how evil operates and how a deeper understanding of it can help survivors process their experiences within a biblical framework.
With a combination of scholarly rigor and pastoral sensitivity, Evil in Genesis is an essential resource for those seeking to minister to trauma survivors while maintaining theological depth and biblical accuracy.
God’s Precepts and Strategies in the Study of Evil
Dr. Faro approaches the topic of evil through a distinctly biblical lens, emphasizing that evil is not merely an abstract philosophical concept but a corruption of God’s good creation. She carefully traces the Hebrew lexemes for evil throughout Genesis, revealing how the biblical text describes the nature, causes, and consequences of evil.
One of the central themes in Evil in Genesis is that while evil exists, it does not exist independently of God’s sovereignty. Instead, it operates as a distortion of what God originally intended for good. This insight is particularly relevant for those counseling survivors of trauma, as it helps reframe suffering in a way that does not diminish God’s justice or goodness.
By examining key passages—such as the fall of humanity, the flood narrative, and the story of Joseph—Dr. Faro demonstrates how Scripture offers a framework for understanding both personal and systemic evil. She also provides theological and practical strategies for confronting evil with biblical wisdom, helping readers see God’s redemptive work even in the midst of suffering.
Key Takeaways for Leaders and Counselors
For pastors, church leaders, and Christian counselors, Evil in Genesis serves as an invaluable resource for addressing difficult theological and pastoral concerns. Many people struggle with the question, Why does God allow evil? Dr. Faro provides a structured, biblical approach to answering this question, helping leaders guide others through a thoughtful exploration of Scripture.
Some key takeaways from this book for those in ministry include:
- A deeper understanding of the biblical definition of evil and how it differs from secular perspectives.
- Tools for engaging with survivors of trauma in a way that acknowledges the reality of evil without diminishing God’s justice.
- A framework for distinguishing between moral evil (human choices) and structural or systemic evil, which can inform social justice efforts in Christian communities.
- Insights into how God’s ultimate plan of redemption is woven throughout Genesis, providing hope even in the face of deep suffering.
For leaders who regularly counsel those affected by abuse, this book provides both theological depth and practical wisdom, equipping them to address these hard topics with clarity and compassion.
Impact on Victims and Survivors
For victims and survivors of abuse, Evil in Genesis can be a powerful tool for making sense of their experiences. Many trauma survivors wrestle with theological questions about suffering and injustice—questions that can either bring them closer to God or push them further away. Dr. Faro’s analysis offers a way to engage with these questions through a biblical lens, providing reassurance that evil is real, but it does not go unnoticed or unaddressed by God.
One of the book’s most impactful aspects is its careful distinction between human responsibility and God’s sovereignty. Survivors who have been told harmful theological messages—such as “God willed this for a greater purpose”—may find a more biblically sound and compassionate understanding in Dr. Faro’s work. She clarifies that while evil is never part of God’s original design, He remains active in redeeming and restoring what has been broken.
Additionally, for those who struggle with shame or misplaced guilt due to past trauma, Evil in Genesis can help reframe their understanding of suffering, showing them that they are not to blame for the evil committed against them. This message can be deeply healing for survivors, offering both theological clarity and emotional comfort.
Conclusion
Dr. Ingrid Faro’s qualifications make her uniquely suited to write on this subject. With a Ph.D. in Theological Studies and years of experience as a professor of Old Testament and Hebrew, she brings scholarly depth to her work. But her insights are not just academic—her personal experiences with suffering give her a deeply compassionate perspective, making Evil in Genesis both intellectually rigorous and pastorally sensitive.
For leaders, counselors, and those working in Christian ministry, this book provides critical tools for engaging with the problem of evil from a biblical standpoint. For survivors of trauma, it offers reassurance that evil is real, but God’s justice and redemption are greater.
If you are looking for a theologically grounded, biblically sound exploration of the nature of evil, this book is a must-read.
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