Contemplating Creation: Genesis, Evolution, and the Existence of God
Delve into the theological and philosophical implications of the Genesis account, evolution, and the argument for the existence of God. Explore themes of creation, divine inspiration, and the intersection of science and faith.
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Presentation Transcript
Genesis Book of Beginnings
Creation: so what? What difference does it make whether the world was created or evolved? Could God have used evolutionary processes to accomplish his purposes? How does that affect your weltanschauung (world view)? How old does the Bible say the earth is?
Creation: so what? What is the relationship of Gen 1:1 to Gen 1:2? 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth; 1:2 and the earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the face of the deep and God said let there be light
Independent Clause View In the beginning God created the heavens And the earth was formless and empty And God said, Let there be light...
Independent Clause Discussion Context: How does Moses write? Gen 2:4-7 comparison: Gen 2:4 Independent summary statement Gen 2:5-6 Negative Circumstantial clause Gen 2:7 Main clause (cf. Gen 3:1-3) Note literary pattern *** Summarize, significance, questions
Does the creation argue for the existence of God? Ps 19:1ff Heavens declare God s glory Modernity: universe is rational and natural no room for God close system, a machine of cause and effects, no miracles, science rules Post-modernity each has its story but the God story is irrelevant to most/ miracles-sure why not? The Force/karma be with you deistic. PC- ized truth? I am the center of the universe and meaning
Where did Moses get his material? Divine voice, vision or zapping? Enuma Elish parallels (Gilgamesh) Divine spirit --> primeval chaos Light emanated from the gods firmament, dry land, luminaries, man Gods rested (note similar sequence) Was Moses aware of it? Could Moses have borrowed from it?
10- fold Toledoth structure of Genesis These are the generations (toledoth) this is the account of Gen 2:4; 5:1; 6:9; 10:1; 11:10, 27; 25:19 Tablet structure: rhythm History on front of tablet; Genealogy on back
Toledoth Tablet Structure of Genesis Front Back Title Genealogy History Summary Colophon *** Summarize, significance, questions
Why did Moses include the creation? Polemic Fight against evolutionary theory? Hermeneutic: original intent Polemic against polytheism Doxology: Ps 136:5-9; Ps. 19:1-6; Ps. 8
Psalm 136:5-9 (cf. Ps 19:1-6) to him who alone does great wonders, his loyal love [hesed] is forever who by his understanding made the heavens, his loyal love is forever who spread out the earth upon the waters, his loyal love is forever who made the great lights, his loyal love is forever the sun to govern the day his loyal love is forever What is the point?
Psalm 8 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is a human that you are mindful of him?... O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.
Other Doxological Uses Rev 4:11 elders in heaven praising God You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things and by your will they were created and have their being. Universe has: purpose, direction, meaning, personal L3
Does create always mean out of nothing Bara: Gen 1:1 out of nothing (ex nihilo) -- yes (but not always) Ps 33:6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth Man was formed out of the dust of the ground (Gen. 2:7) many ways to create (1:27) and describe the creation process, science can help describe those processes *** SSQ
