Some biblical scholars attempt to date the time of creation; others accept its existence but realize that the exact date will never be known. Regardless of one’s individual belief, Genesis had to have been written much later than its events since the first writings (cuneiforms) appeared during the Sumer civilization between 5300 and 2330 BCE. For reference, archaeological dating divides the period from 26,000 to 3300 BCE into the following:
| Dates | Stone Ages | Archaeological Period |
| 26,000 to 10,000 BCE | Early Stone Age | Paleolithic Period |
| 10,000 to 8,000 BCE | Middle Stone Age | Mesolithic Period |
| 8,000 to 4,000 BCE | New Stone Age | Neolithic Period |
| 4,000 BCE | Copper Stone Age | Chalcolithic Period |
These periods are referred to as “pre-history” as no written record has been found dating from the period. Sometime around 3300 BCE, the Bronze Age began and it is during this period that written records (i.e., history) are found.
The study of Genesis has 22 lessons with three mini-studies on Abraham, Jacob and Joseph. Each mini-study has a specific theme and includes a summary lesson that focuses on the person’s character. Although the studies follow a chronological order, the material is presented so a traditional Bible can be used. I’ve included a downloadable PDF of the Table of Contents if you want an overview of the study.