Priestly and Religious Vocations in The Light of Genesis (2:5-9): Insights and Actions for the Jubilee Year

Abstract

This article presents a study of religious vocations within the context of Genesis 2:5-9. The historical, literary, and theological implications of this text, particularly in relation to the understanding of vocations, and the interpretation of contemporary vocations crisis was explored. While there are several works on the understanding 1 Rev. Prof. Ikechukwu Anthony Kanu, PhD, is a Catholic Priest, a member of the Order of St. Augustine (OSA), and lecturer in Veritas University, Abuja (Nigeria), and President of the Conference of the Major Superiors of Nigeria-Men. He has published many books and articles in local and international scholarly journals. 2 Rev. Fr. Dr. Michael Pilani is a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Bauchi and a lecturer at Veritas University Abuja, Nigeria, Department of Theology. He is the Director of Quality Assurance at Veritas University, and has published in several local and international journalsof religious vocation, the present piece distinguishes itself by its understanding and interpretation of the present experience within religious vocations in the light of the Book of Genesis. Through careful analysis of the Hebrew text and adequate interaction with scholarly perspectives, the article argues that this passage of Genesis offers a rich, multi-layered view of religious vocation. The study adopts the historical critical approach of exegesis and the analytical method of research for the achievement of the aim and objectives of this work. This study reveals how the creation narrative in Genesis 2:5-9 emphasizes stewardship and divine-human partnership, which are fundamental for various understandings. These insights are then applied to contemporary religious life, offering recommendations for reimagining priestly and religious vocations in the light of modern challenges.