The creation and flood stories parallel some accounts foundin ancient Mesopotamian mythology, but the overall style and content of Gen-esis prompt readers to view the book as a straightforward narration of history,
beginning with Yahweh as Creator and leading up to the formation of Israel asa nation under Yahweh as their covenant Lord. - P16
While Genesis provokes manydebates from academic disciplines such as science, anthropology, and ancientNear Eastern scholarship, it is meant, first and foremost, to form true beliefsabout God and His purposes that provide comfort and hope to the faithful - P16