The Full Spectrum of Christian Belief on Origins - where are you?

Platte said:

Of course I take the Bible literally. Obviously there are times in the Bible you wouldnt such as reading a parable...or a vision in a dream.

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I see it differently. In ancient times many writers used analogies and metaphors to explain things. I believe that the Genesis creation story may be just one of those instances. I also believe the same God that could have created the universe over billions of years could also have created it in six days and left clues to confuse the scientists. Either way, it's all the same to me as the only verse I believe for certain is literal is Genesis 1:1. In the KJV it reads "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth". So, I don't involve myself in trying to argue that the rest is literal nor do I argue that it's metaphoric in nature. I admit that I don't know and since it has no effect on my ability to live my daily life for Christ, I'll not worry about the argument. It's arguments like this that have ultimately divided the "church" into an estimated 45,000 denominations.

Platte said:

It is clear when the Earth was "created"....which was approx 6k years ago.

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There are buildings in Jericho that are older than 11,000 years.

Godsunworthyservant said:

I also believe the same God that could have created the universe over billions of years could also have created it in six days and left clues to confuse the scientists.

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Any view that rejects a literal Adam & Eve lacks the [Original] Sin that requires a Savior.

The Barbarian said:

There are buildings in Jericho that are older than 11,000 years.

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no there are not

Godsunworthyservant said:

I see it differently. In ancient times many writers used analogies and metaphors to explain things. I believe that the Genesis creation story may be just one of those instances. I also believe the same God that could have created the universe over billions of years could also have created it in six days and left clues to confuse the scientists. Either way, it's all the same to me as the only verse I believe for certain is literal is Genesis 1:1. In the KJV it reads "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth". So, I don't involve myself in trying to argue that the rest is literal nor do I argue that it's metaphoric in nature. I admit that I don't know and since it has no effect on my ability to live my daily life for Christ, I'll not worry about the argument. It's arguments like this that have ultimately divided the "church" into an estimated 45,000 denominations.

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Nothing about Genesis implies analogies or metaphors....and Genesis is quoted throughout the Bible as it is written.

I agree with you - When Christians don't accept the Bible for what it says it leads into arguments and division. The Bible teaches us that Creation was approximately 6000 years ago and took 6 days to complete. I believe you agree that is what the Bible says. There is nothing in Science that contradicts creation. Recorded History began (and Civilization) approx 5500 years ago...History support Creation occuring 6000 years ago.

Godsunworthyservant said:

That assumes that you read the creation story as a literal timeline. I choose not to get into that argument because it doesn't matter to my daily walk with God and it's little arguments like this that have divided the "church" into an estimated 45,000 denominations.

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Perhaps you are unaware of the effect it has on you?

There are buildings in Jericho that are older than 11,000 years.

Platte said:

no there are not

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No point in denial. The evidence is very clear.

Platte said:

Nothing about Genesis implies analogies or metaphors....and Genesis is quoted throughout the Bible as it is written.

I agree with you - When Christians don't accept the Bible for what it says it leads into arguments and division. The Bible teaches us that Creation was approximately 6000 years ago and took 6 days to complete. I believe you agree that is what the Bible says. There is nothing in Science that contradicts creation. Recorded History began (and Civilization) approx 5500 years ago...History support Creation occuring 6000 years ago.

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In ancient times lots of things were written in a factual manner but were really not an accurate literal portrayal of the actual facts. Just look at the Sumerian and Egyptian creation stories. They are obviously not factually true but they are written as if they were. I was common in those days and people may or may not have realized it at the time.

I am not a science denier, I'm a realist. Archaeology and carbon-14 dating have shown scientific evidence that the world is older than 6000 years and that man has even been here longer than that. This leads me to lean toward the reading of the Genesis story as largely metaphorical and not meant to be an actual timeline. The only thing I know for sure is literal is Genesis 1:1. "In the beginning, God..."! I also hold out the possibility that the same God who could have created the universe over billions of years could also have created it in 6 days and made it look like it took billions of years. I don't take a hard stand either way because it is of no consequence to living one's life for God and following the teachings of Christ. I feel that to take a stand one way or the other is just another debate that's unnecessary and takes away from the study of God's commandments and Christ's teachings. It is just another of those things that have divided us into an estimated 45,000 denominations.

Godsunworthyservant said:

It is just another of those things that have divided us into an estimated 45,000 denominations.

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There are only 1,198 Bible chapters to dispute. I am skeptical that there is not an awful lot of agreement between many of these denominations, which are more likely separated by language.
While I consider my "Day" 0 hypothesis to be more accurate, I do not see it as a test for orthodoxy.

For me, Christian orthodoxy only requires the Nicene Creed and Original Sin. Errors or disagreements beyond that are negligible.

Sabertooth said:

There are only 1,198 Bible chapters to dispute. I am skeptical that there is not an awful lot of agreement between many of these denominations, which are more likely separated by language.

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Let me start by saying, if it's not already obvious, I'm not an orthodox Christian. And yes there is a lot of agreement between different denominations. That's why it's so mystifying to me how we divide ourselves over those few things on which we disagree. I've noticed that most of the major disagreements come from differences over the teachings of men and rarely over those of Christ. Christ taught pretty plainly and the main way I see that His teachings become controversial is when they are put together with the teachings of men. I also don't buy the language barrier as if that were a thing, then wouldn't those who speak ancient Hebrew or Greek have an advantage. I believe that there are good translators in most every language these days.

Sabertooth said:

For me, Christian orthodoxy only requires the Nicene Creed and Original Sin. Errors or disagreements beyond that are negligible.

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Today's winner.