Further compromises on the literal translation of Genesis?

Question

In the Bible it states that God created the Earth in 7 days.

However it is becoming more and more suggested that the 'days' being referred to, needn't be 24 hours like we expect, and could in fact be an indeterminate period of time much longer than that.

I say "it is becoming more and more suggested" because 10 years ago, I hadn't heard anyone compromise on the literal translation of the bible like that before.
Today however, I find it cropping up quite often - that genesis needn't be a literal translation and that the 'days' being referred to could be thousands of years.

In which case, does it look like there are going to be any further compromises on what to believe as time goes on?
A compromise here or there to stop it alienating a growing number of people?

In response to Judysbookshop:

Of course I'm not saying that this has only become a new idea since I've heard of it. I don't think anyone is that self-absorbed.

However regardless of the timescale (quite ironic in the context of this question), the compromise had to occur at some point in history, away from the literal translation.

I was just asking when the next one might be.

Answer 1

Genesis 1:5
And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

Genesis 1:8
And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.

Genesis 1:13
And the evening and the morning were the third day.

Genesis 1:19
And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.

Genesis 1:23
And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.

Genesis 1:31
And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

It is clearly stated evening and morning and they both together(singular not evenings and mornings as you would have if it was a thousand years.) are counted one day's time.

The scripture taken out of context of
2 Peter 3:8
But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

Is simply stating that time doesn't matter with God. A thousand years for him is the same as a day.

Creation is different, the Bible specifically stated evening and morning or a 24 hour period.

Answer 2

No, Genesis is not a literal work. The Hebrew people talked in a unique tongue, since they were practically always in bondage. Genesis is an excellent example as to how the above was crafted in such a special way. Remember, what came before the Bible? "The word" The hebrews would gather the children together and talk about the above authentic stories in such a way that everyone (young & old) could easily remember and find great interest. Additionally, the above was extremely necessary since the children when they would become older could perform the same for their children etc... When you note years along with certain number values try not to find exaction in the script. example: In the bible when it refers to 1000yrs ~ the latter would simply mean a long time. Prophets that are noted as being +900 years old were a way the Hebrew people viewed the importance of the individual within the community; the latter is called: "genre litteraire". Furthermore, the story of Noah's Ark could also be seen as a symbol of the Church as the savior of humanity. The above is not to show any disrespect toward the Almighty, this is the way the Hebrew people carried on their everyday (difficult) life. God bless'

Answer 3

Seven days is 7 days as we look at it . But actually in the Bible it says that 1 day is as a thousand yrs to the Lord Now thats where these people are coming from. As we see it a 24 hr sun up to sun up . But every thing was made after the light off day and dark of night. Its really not a big issue

Answer 4

We're all seeking to believe so that we might understand. I wouldn't characterize it as a compromise. Since the Sun and Moon don't show up until the fourth day, many believers don't cling to the strict 24-hour time frame throughout. I believe God could've created the universe in six seconds. The issue is with the translation of the Hebrew for "day".

Answer 5

Did Moses compromise the word of God when he wrote Psalm 90?

"For a thousand years in your sight
are like a day that has just gone by,
or like a watch in the night. "
Psalm 90:4

How about Peter, when he quoted this Psalm?

"But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
II Peter 3:8-9

Let's concentrate on what matters - namely the last part of verse 9 above.

Answer 6

God created the earth in 6 days and rested on the seventh. You are correct in the translation of a day. It is now believed that a day is close to a thousand years. As society becomes more educated we can undertand the teachings of the profits in the bible, and we can understand the written word better. But beware of those who claim that they are the only true teacher of the word. Check out Jack Van Impe. He will make things clear in terms we can all understand.

Answer 7

If each day of creation is a long period of time (millions of years), than that also would show the power of God, because He created the plants on day 3, and several millions of years later He made the sun on day 4.

Evolution and Creation can not fit together.

Answer 8

If you want literal, actual words of the Bible you should learn Hebrew. Literal for Genesis 1:26 (for example) reads like this...

"and He said, Elohim (strong ones), let Us fashion Adam according to our likenes, in our image."

THAT IS LITERAL BIBLE FROM HEBREW. You can not get any more literal than that.

Answer 9

That is how the enemy works. A compromise here, there, eventually, what is left?
Those of us that DO stand up for the faith are so often labeled radical or some other thing as if we are doing something off the wall.

Answer 10

The days becoming symbolic complicates the order of creation. It has plants surviving for thousands or millions of years before the Sun was created.

Christians who have knowledge of scientific discoveries must take the account as entirely allegorical, in order to avoid cognitive dissonance.