FST Faculty Spotlight: Fr. Garrett Galvin, OFM

The Franciscan School of Theology (FST) is excited to celebrate the publication of Goodness, Blessing, and Order: The Book of Genesis and the Spiritual Formation of God’s People by Fr. Garrett Galvin, OFM, former President of the Franciscan School of Theology (2019–2026) and Adjunct Professor of Sacred Scripture.

In his latest book, Fr. Galvin invites readers to explore the Book of Genesis through a lens of hope, goodness, and God’s enduring desire for a relationship with humanity.

Recent scholarship points to an understanding of Genesis as containing four blocks of literature: primeval history (Gen 2:4b-11:9), the Abraham cycle (Gen 11:27-25:11), the Jacob cycle (Gen 25:19-35:29), and the Joseph Story (Gen 37-50). These are bound together by genealogies that make connections between them. While some would include Gen 1 within the primeval history, Galvin thinks it is better to view it as an introduction to that opening section of Genesis. Scholars have spoken about introduction through revision, which Gen 1 appears to be doing. The writer of Gen I certainly shares part of the viewpoint found in primeval history, but Gen 1 projects an overarching perspective of goodness, blessing, and order that is rare in the rest of primeval history. This hopeful perspective appears in elements of the four blocks of literature. Galvin examines how the final editor accomplishes this through documenting the spiritual journey and development of the fathers and mothers in faith. Genesis helps people to understand their beginnings in goodness and blessing, which are disrupted by sin. This tension between blessing and sin marks the subsequent stories that move toward an ever-deepening bond between God and Israel.

Why Genesis Matters Today

For Fr. Galvin, the book’s inspiration comes from a desire to deepen our understanding of Scripture and its relevance to the challenges facing the Church today.

As Catholics explore different approaches to pastoral questions, Fr. Galvin encourages readers to consider the importance of Genesis 1 and its emphasis on the goodness of creation.

While many approaches to spirituality focus on sin and humanity’s shortcomings, the creation narrative offers another perspective, one that emphasizes God’s love, the dignity of humanity, and the goodness of the world.

A Franciscan Perspective on Creation and Love

At the heart of Goodness, Blessing, and Order is a message deeply connected to Franciscan spirituality: God’s love remains present even amid human struggles and imperfections.

Fr. Galvin explores how the genealogies and narratives throughout Genesis reveal God’s ongoing work to restore order amid chaos and strengthen the relationship between God and humanity.

As Fr. Galvin explains:

“We ultimately find a God who longs to be in relationship with us and never gives up on us.”

The book also highlights a central Franciscan conviction: love is greater than knowledge. Through his examination of Genesis, Fr. Galvin invites readers to rediscover the importance of love, hope, and the goodness of God’s creation.

Discover Goodness, Blessing, and Order

Whether you are a student of theology, a pastoral minister, or someone seeking a deeper understanding of Scripture, Fr. Galvin’s latest work offers an opportunity to engage with Genesis and reflect on its enduring spiritual significance.

Congratulations to Fr. Garrett Galvin, OFM, on the publication of his new book and his continued contributions to biblical scholarship and Franciscan theological education.

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