Motifs of Time in Genesis One - Presented at the 2013 Canadian Society of Biblical Studies (original) (raw)

The Theology of the Book of Genesis

2024

The Book of Genesis stands as a cornerstone in Judeo-Christian theology, presenting profound insights into the nature of God, the origin of the cosmos, the human condition, and the unfolding of divine redemption. This article explores the theological themes woven throughout Genesis, examining its portrayal of God as Creator, humanity's role, the nature of sin, and the covenants that shape salvation history. Key topics include the creation narrative, the Fall and its consequences, covenant theology (particularly the Noahic and Abrahamic covenants), the theology of election, and the problem of evil. Furthermore, the article analyzes the implications of Genesis for Christian theology, highlighting its role in salvation history and its typological connections to Christ. This study also addresses the ongoing relevance of Genesis in contemporary theological discussions. By employing historical-critical methods, theological hermeneutics, and comparative analysis, this article underscores Genesis’ enduring theological significance for the ancient world and modern faith communities.

Fleming, Daniel E. “History in Genesis,” Westminster Theological Journal 65 (2003): 251–62.

History has always mattered to Christians. "If Christ has not been raised," says Paul, "your faith is futile" (1 Cor 15:17, NIV). God's great acts in history must not be the figments of human imagination, fictional illustrations for some ancient writer's theological ruminations. Unfortunately, the Bible's memory for history is not above doubt, and, especially with the rise of modern critical scholarship, many have doubted. When it comes to the facts regarding basic events, their settings, and who was involved, the more distant past is the most susceptible to a global sense that the whole thing is made up, or at least has gone through so many stages of removal from the setting described that the product has lost any connection to its point of origin. Unsurprisingly, such stories of Israel's distant past allow the least possibility for evaluation in light of independent evidence.

Genesis 1 and the Subject of Time: Why Perception of Literary Structure and Balance Matters

2015

Many scholars have accepted a linear view of literary structure and balance in the text of Genesis 1 that may be incomplete and unbalanced. This paper exists to challenge the accepted view and offer a circular structure as a more informed perspective. Structure and balance matters for two reasons: As the text of Genesis 1 unfolds, the literary structure follows the seven visible colors of the rainbow. The words, "Let there be light" quite literally introduce the reader to every color in the visible spectrum. Secondly, a timekeeping methodology is woven into the literary structure that moves the reader from the beginning of time Genesis 1 to the Sabbath Day garden in Genesis 3. The methodology is dependent on the seven visible colors of the rainbow. The subjects of light and time are integral to understanding the purpose for this text. If we accept a literary view that does not permit both light and time to emerge, then we will remain blind to the deeper spiritual teachings of Genesis 1. Put simply, the account of Creation is quite sophisticated below the surface!

The Textual Unity of Genesis 2-4 Against the Backdrop of the History of Exegesis

2014

The thesis explores the literary unity of the narratives of Adam-Eve and Cain-Abel supplemented with an inquiry into the history of traditional exegesis. Most contemporary studies and commentaries reflect a varied understanding of the textual relationship between the narratives of creation and sin in Eden and outside of it (Gen 2:4b–4:16). According to one dominant stream of historical tradition, the unit of Genesis 1–3 is delimited and expounded apart from the juxtaposed chapter 4. A key figure in this hermeneutical tradition is Augustine, who devoted his Genesis commentaries to chapters 1–3 apart from the sin narrative of Cain. An important implication arising from this thesis is that Christian exegetes of Genesis should be aware of, and avoid, any uncritical adoption of the tradition represented by Augustine in their reading of the stories of the origins. According to another historic exegetical tradition of Jewish and Christian interpreters the narratives of creation and sin are...