is there an innate human need to explain the origins of one’s people group? what are the common elements of such stories?
what are the elements of Abraham’s origin story?
which of the two homelands influences later tradition more? what other origin stories suggest more than one homeland? what are some other variations present in origin stories?
can individuals choose among different origin stories? what factors influence an individual’s choice of a particular origin story?
what are the implications of God choosing to bless one family? how do others in the text view this choice? are they even aware of it? if one family is chosen, are all others rejected?
what are the ethical implications of the family being granted a land that another people already inhabited? which people group did the authors of Genesis belong to? (cf. Gen 9:25-27)