Christianity, like any other religion, holds tightly to beliefs. However, long-held beliefs do not make them real. When the Bible does not explicitly affirm what we want it to say, justifications and rationalizations arise that, in time, take precedence over what the Bible says.
Such dogma concerns the creation described in Genesis 1 thru 3. We read the passages as if all the details we learned as children are there, blind to their absence. Please, open your Bible and see what is not there.
A Perfect Creation
Genesis never says God made everything perfect or anything perfect. It never presents one idealistic word or phrase meaning perfect to the reader. Also, not one biblical writer proclaimed a perfect creation, an immortal Adam, inherited original sin, or even an immortal soul. Yet, these theologies dominate our understanding of biblical creation and our lives within that creation. If those concepts existed in the Hebrew text, then the English translators would have used them.
An Immortal Adam
Many of you will quote Romans 5:12 to prove the immortal Adam became mortal. However, that entire book makes a case for spiritual life and death before we physically die. If verse 12 referred to Adam’s physical death, then the life given by Jesus in v17 would have been physical too. If that were true, then all the Christians Paul killed, as Saul, would not have died physically. Paul never claimed that happened, nor did he make a blunder. Paul was skilled in the use of logic. Theologians pulled one verse out of context to make a point not made by Paul.
Christians believe Genesis 2:16-17 is the origin of a mortality curse. However, a literal translation of God’s command to Adam is not “you will certainly die” (NIV). It is “dying thou dost die” (YLT), or “…to die, you will die.” The books of Moses used it repeatedly without the interpretation of a change in physiology. To me, the literal version sounds suspiciously like the second death, about which Paul wrote. If physical death already existed as part of creation, then the natural laws set by God did not change, and innocent humans could understand the threat of God’s words. Satan knew that what God meant was spiritual death. He did not lie when he took advantage of the people’s misunderstanding.
No Rain Before the Great Flood
God did not change the laws of physics. The Bible does not say, “No rain fell before Noah’s flood.” Genesis 2:4 is a similar creed to Genesis 1:1. Then, verses 5-6 gives a short version of the creation. There was a time before man, who tilled the ground (Day 6). There was a time before plants that required rain (Day 3). There was a time before it rained when only mists watered the ground (Day 2). The mist mentioned preceded the formation of our planet’s atmosphere, which could produce rain. Both accounts are brief outlines, which beautifully match the detailed scientific timeline of the evolution of the Earth.
No Carnivores in the Garden of Eden
Genesis never mentioned a lamb snuggling up to a lion in the garden. The imagery starts with a misquoted Isaiah 11:6-9 and 65:25, then combined with the descriptions of the lion and lamb of Revelations 5. Pretty artwork solidified the belief. However, neither prophet attached their metaphors to Eden, only to the future. Carnivorous animals may not have been a problem in the garden, but God created them before the arrival of humans.
God did not change the laws of genetics. Not one biblical writer expressed surprise at the first dead animal or of one animal eating another. No one wished for our return to a perfect Eden where we could live as immortals. Biblically, the prophets described immortality as a quality of heaven, and heaven was never described as a lush garden. Biblically, mortality always ruled on Earth. Immortality comes with God’s invitation to join him throughout eternity.
God Cursed Humanity
After the first sin, God curses the serpent, but he never cursed the people. Christians inserted titles into the Hebrew text that contained the word “curse.” Those influence the reading of what follows. Try reading the passage with a soft tone instead of a growl. God’s dialogue does not convey anger toward the people. The ground is “cursed” to grow unwanted plants. However, God could simply be a forewarning of the future. The people were no longer innocent. Knowledge would change their perspective toward everything, even plants.
Fallen from Grace
Fall from Grace
Adam and Eve did not “fall from grace.” God came to them and stayed with them. He taught them to tan an animal hide to make clothing. God spoke to them and their children, even the one who committed murder. He continued to be with, and speak to, every generation. God gives grace freely and generously. What “falls” is our willingness to recognize his presence.
Kicked Out of the Garden
The expulsion of Adam and Eve from the garden was not for sin or treason. The people ate from one tree but were not permitted to eat from the second. No words of condemnation exist in the text. God even tells the cherubim that the people now had “knowledge like theirs.” God-like knowledge—the ability to choose between good and evil—that is a good thing for people if used properly. That is the Bible’s dominant theme.
Reality Not Mythology
Some of you might cry out, “You are destroying faith in the Bible!”
I answer, “No. Not at all!”
I want to trade the unbiblical myths for reality. I want to show you a miracle, to proclaim no conflict exists between belief in the biblical creation and the science of nature. That includes the Big Bang and the evolution of all life, including humanity.
Those Bronze-aged writers could not have known what we know about the universe. Yet, without the unbiblical details, the first eleven chapters agree with recent discoveries. This century is the first time in history when humans understand the universe well enough that we can unlock the wonders held in these ancient texts.
That much agreement goes beyond “dumb luck.” It provides strong circumstantial evidence of external insight. If the texts were inspired, then there is a high probability that inspiration came from the God described in those passages.
Harmony. Yes, that is a miracle.
