The bible...?

Question

I have a question in my Bible as Literature class about cosmology and Im hoping someone can help me out. The question is about Gen 1-2:4a and about Gen 2:4b-2:25...

Can you detect the cosmology (how the universe is arranged) that the story uses? Describe it.

I dont know the answer, and I dont have the slightest idea of how to start answering it. Any ideas would help. Thanks!!

Answer 1

The cosmological model in Gen. 2:4b-2:25 is almost non-existent. It is a more anthropocentric myth than a myth about the cosmos.

The first creation story (1-2:4a) falls in line with what most ancient people believed about the order of the cosmos. The earth/land was a fixed point in the creation, with Sheol (land of the dead) underneath the earth. Above and below the earth was water. The firmament that Genesis mentions was thought to be a solid barrier, almost like a dome, which kept the waters of the heavens away from the earth. Interestingly, many ancient people thought that the firmament had tiny gates in it, which angels opened in order to let a little water come down upon the earth in the form of rain.

The sun and the moon were not fixed points of light, but rather, were believed to go around the earth (after setting, they entered the realm of the dead). Many thought they crossed the sky on tracks.

There were also believed to be different levels of the heavens, although, this cannot be detected in the Gen. creation myth.

Hope this helps some. I know that some of this info extends beyond the scope of Genesis, so it may not be useful. However, if you can use extra-Biblical resources, then you may be able to use some of this information. Have a good one.

Answer 2

Infinte energy accompanied God's word, and therefore "the worlds were framed by His word", and the inspired account of the matter we recieve by faith, accepting the testimony of God. How it relieves the anxious mind and gives rest to the throbbing brain by faith to understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God!

Secondly,the First Law of Theremoydynamics is often misstated to the effect that energy"cannot be created". however,science is based on observation, and statements such as "can" or "cannot" are not based on observation, but are dogmatic pronouncements. The first Law should be stated like this:"(So far as we can observe) the amount of actual energy in the universe remains constant." That is, as far as we know, the actual amount of energy in the universe is not decreasing or increasing. Stated this way, the Law makes no pronouncement whatsoever about where energy came from, or how long it has been here. Thus, it does not contradict the Genesis declaration that God created the universe.

The universe had a beginning,just as Genesis1:1says it did.

The sun is not the only source of light in the universe. The sun may have existed from the 1st day,but only appeared or became visible(as the mist cleared) on the fourth day of creation. We see light on a cloudy day,even when we can't see the sun.

Answer 3

Start by reading the two creation myths separately.

Write down what happens in the universe, eg the sun and moon are separate lights - not a single light (sun) and a reflection (moon)

Do that again for the second creation myth.


Note the differences between the two, in cosmology terms.

For fun not all the difference between the myths and reality.

For reference:
http://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/gen/1.html

Answer 4

God creates time in the first day. Day/night was understood by the ancients as the passing of time through light and darkness.

God creates matter/space in the 2nd day, when he creates the sea and sky. God creates life on the third day with vegetation. God creates the literal light (the sun and stars), the moon on the 4th day. Then birds, fisth on the 5th and beasts and man on the 6th. I think you could make connections to the Big Bang theory and evolution. God bless and good luck!

Answer 5

what's the school name and instructor's name: i'll give you the answer he wants to hear