7-Day Creation- Figurative or Literal?

[pinkmatter]

Did God create the world in 7 literal days, is Genesis figurative language? Is it how we each interpret Genesis? Is Genesis a narrative to the Israelites by Moses, so they would understand God?

It's an awesome controversial topic!
Thoughts and Opinions! =)

 

[Blayz]

My thought is there is a Christians only origins section of this site under theology where only Christians can post. There's even an entire forum where only creationists can post.

Atheists are allowed to post here. We don't believe in God, and think Genesis to be fiction.

 

[Guy1]

There's even an entire forum where only creationists can post.

Where might this be? I'm curious to see what happens when they fire off without opposition.

 

[driewerf]

Where might this be? I'm curious to see what happens when they fire off without opposition.

Here you are:
http://www.christianforums.com/f143/
Two forums: creationism and theistic evolution.

 

[Jamin4422]

Where might this be? I'm curious to see what happens when they fire off without opposition.

Actually I do have this comment about that video.

 

[Guy1]

Actually I do have this comment about that video.

Are you responding to my signature? If so, I suggest you make a thread about it. I'll gladly smack you with facts there.

Here you are:
http://www.christianforums.com/f143/
Two forums: creationism and theistic evolution.

Thank you kindly.

 

[Jamin4422]

Are you responding to my signature?

Your talking about three different unrelated conversations.
If you keep putting it out there, then I am going to keep responding to it.

 

[SkyWriting]

Did God create the world in 7 literal days, is Genesis figurative language? Is it how we each interpret Genesis? Is Genesis a narrative to the Israelites by Moses, so they would understand God?

It's an awesome controversial topic!
Thoughts and Opinions! =)

My best answer is that God has explained His Creation "week" in the way that benefits us the most. We derive the most of what God wants to tell us from the 7-day Creation story. If one takes the 7 days and tries to turn it into something else then the story runs into problems. The 7 day story is the most instructive one. So we structured our week around the story.

 

[Elendur]

Since the time of a day is defined with the help of the sun I think it's kind of ridiculous to think that the genesis would be taken literal.

Edit: Also see post #2.

 

[SkyWriting]

Since the time of a day is defined with the help of the sun I think it's kind of ridiculous to think that the genesis would be taken literal.

Edit: Also see post #2.

Actually, it's defined by light and dark.
And you remember the moon is considered "a light" in the sky.
The "Sun" could have been indicated as the source of the light
but it wasn't. Jesus is also considered "The Light" of the world.

So the light and the dark are indicated as the sun, but not required.
Other lights could have been used in a pinch.

 

[Elendur]

Actually, it's defined by light and dark.
And you remember the moon is considered "a light" in the sky.
The "Sun" could have been indicated as the source of the light
but it wasn't. Jesus is also considered "The Light" of the world.

So the light and the dark are indicated as the sun, but not required.
Other lights could have been used in a pinch.

Ah, even better. So the fact that all was darkness should've made it even worse since there never would have been a second day, nor a first.

 

[SkyWriting]

Ah, even better. So the fact that all was darkness should've made it even worse since there never would have been a second day, nor a first.

That's right. Whatever the light was, it defined the mornings and evenings.
We usually call mornings and evenings as the light on and light off.
And we usually experience it gradually.

 

[Elendur]

That's right. Whatever the light was, it defined the mornings and evenings.
We usually call mornings and evenings as the light on and light off.
And we usually experience it gradually.

And thus the genesis can't be literal.

 

[RickG]

Did God create the world in 7 literal days

According to the available physical evidence, Nope.

 

[Guy1]

Your talking about three different unrelated conversations.
If you keep putting it out there, then I am going to keep responding to it.

You didn't answer the question. PM me so you don't disturb the people on this thread.

 

[NailsII]

Did God create the world in 7 literal days, is Genesis figurative language? Is it how we each interpret Genesis? Is Genesis a narrative to the Israelites by Moses, so they would understand God?

It's an awesome controversial topic!
Thoughts and Opinions! =)

How could you determine if the genesis account is literal or figarative (or even a third option of just plain made up)?
In my opinion the best way to assess this claim is to look at the evidence - so what would you expect to see if the world was literally created in 7 days less than 10,0000 years ago?
What would the world look like if it was not made this way?
What would the universe look like if the bible was just a story?

So for me, asses the evidence and then make up your mind.

Personally, I would go for the third option - and I am prepared to show the evidence which led me to this conclusion if anyone is interested.

Lol, love that picture!

 

[Split Rock]

Did God create the world in 7 literal days, is Genesis figurative language? Is it how we each interpret Genesis? Is Genesis a narrative to the Israelites by Moses, so they would understand God?

It's an awesome controversial topic!
Thoughts and Opinions! =)

I am not a Christian, however, I firmly believe that GEN was never intended as literal history. My reasons:
1. There was no such concept as historical accuracy in this time period. Myth and allegory was more often than not entwined with the telling of historical events. The story was what was important , not the details.
2. None of the authors of GEN were there to witness any of the events portrayed.
3. GEN was written utilizing many tools we find in allegories, such as anthropormorphic animals, and magical events. If GEN2 started with "once upon a time," it would read quite well.

Unfortunately, many creationists here (not all) don't care what the intend of the GEN authors were, but insist on imposing their own biases, presumptions and desires on what they wrote.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

Genesis has to be more carefully read in order to be understood. Athiest and believers alike cling to age old misinterpretations, some of which are obvious. For example nowhere in the creation week story does it say that the universe was in darkness; only the earth. When the 'darkness' was removed, Viola!, there was the preexisting sun.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

Genesis is more about truth than facts. If you look for truth, it's there. If facts, good luck.

 

[SkyWriting]

And thus the genesis can't be literal.

You'll find that all words are symbols for ideas.
There are none that are not.