Christian Living

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There is a continual debate about whether or not Genesis can be taken literally. The problem, however, is with people who don't bother to do their homework and, instead, choose to believe whatever they want to about the book. Sadly, some of these individuals speak out of total ignorance. Here is an example. I am not going to give the name of this person and his ministry because I am not seeking to single out anyone in particular. I will say, however, that this ministry is based in Denver, Colorado. This is from their blog word for word, (that is, if you can take it literally)?

"Genesis is a poem if I've ever seen one."

"I would be very surprised to find a single respected and educated theologian or biblical scholar that believes that one MUST read Noah's flood completely literally down to the last detail to be 'orthodox.' That's crazy."

"No RESPONSIBLE PERSON takes the entire Bible completely literally. It's not possible."

My response to these statements? One, this person obviously has not read any poetry and yet he is making himself out to be a literary expert. Two, he would "be very surprised to find a single respected and educated theologian or biblical scholar" who believes that the book can be taken literally? Oh, really!? That statement reflects so much ignorance it is pathetic. I could right now give this person the names of respected and educated people, and organizations, who believe this way. Three, there ARE many "responsible people" who take Genesis literally.

Here is a little bit of perspective. The book of Genesis and the entire Bible, for that matter, can be taken literally, except where there is obvious specific forms of language usage like figures of speech, allegories, parables, symbolism, etc. This is true in probably all literature. However, we are to take it literally unless there is good reason to view it otherwise, for example, some of the symbolism occurring in Revelation.

Genesis and much of the Old and New Testaments are historical record. Would one read history books and not take them literally? Of course, not! If a person reads non-fiction it is assumed to be literal. Genesis is a book of human nature. That is why there is so much violence, injustice, and evil in the book. Archaeology and history provide evidence for its literalness. It is also a story of God's divine intervention and judgment upon mankind and the earth.

What does Genesis teach? Can we get literal answers from Genesis? Here are some things that just the first nine chapters tell us.

* Genesis 1:1 says that God created the heavens and the earth.
* Verses 1:14-15 speak of the sun and moon.
* In 2:7-22 we find a record of the creation of the human race.
* Moving to chapter 2, verses 24-25 we see the institution of marriage between one man and one woman.
* Chapter 3 tells the story of the disobedience of Adam and Eve, and consequently the rebellious fall of the human race. The answer to learn from this is to not cast blame and not make excuses, but follow one's conscience, and take responsibility for one's actions. How much better our society would be today if we followed the lessons of Genesis 3.
* In 4:5-10 the answer is found to domestic violence and murder: It is dealing with anger issues BEFORE they lead to violence and murder. When one allows anger to master them and get the upper hand, it leads to all sorts of sinful actions. Again, this is a great life principle that, if practiced more today, would result in less individual and domestic violence.
* In 4:20-22 livestock, musicians, and the bronze age are mentioned.
* Chapter 6, verse 5 says that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, "the intent of the thought of his heart was only evil continually."
* When it speaks of God being sorry that he made man in verse 6:6 it does not mean that God changed his mind and repented. It means that God was sorry that man chose to use his free will, tainted by his sinful nature, to do evil.
In 6:8 to 8:22 we find the story of Noah and the flood, with many things listed that can be taken literally. In addition, there are things too numerous to go into here that provide explanation for the longevity of people at that time, and how it was possible for water to cover the entire earth.

Now, I ask, what in this above listing cannot be taken literally? We see most of it in our society today. So, for an individual or organization to say that Genesis cannot be viewed in a literal way is nonsense. Do you see the huge gap here between what people just want to believe and what this book actually teaches? One does not have to believe in the book of Genesis but don't be so rash and ignorant to say there is nothing that can be taken literally.

Maybe people do not want to accept Genesis literally for four reasons:

1. They don't want to be accountable to a creator.
2. They don't want to acknowledge they have a depraved sinful nature.
3. They don't want to acknowledge that there is judgment for turning away from God.
4. They don't want to acknowledge that there is a God who intervenes in the affairs of human history and individual lives.

Thank God that he does intervene, and many times in a good way. He will intervene in your life if you allow him to, and will give you hope, peace, and stability in today's troubled times. Genesis 4:6 says that people began to call upon the name of the Lord. In Genesis 6:8 we are told that Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.
Call upon the name of the Lord today and you will find his grace at work in your life.

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