This Wednesday’s class will cover “What the Bible Really Says” about the first creation story, Genesis 1:1-2:3. If you’re so inclined, though it is not necessary, I have four suggestions for you:
- You may want to read the first creation story from your personal Bible and then compare it with the translation excerpted from my book, THE BEGINNING. You can read/open/save the translation by clicking on this link (PDF).
- Also, you might want to refresh your understanding of the Pluperfect (or Past Perfect) verb tense. We will, of necessity, discuss the importance of this verb tense to our understanding of how the divine author described the timing of creation.
- In keeping with the idea that the ancient Hebrews described their world using concrete images (things that could be smelled, seen, touched, heard, or tasted), think about how you would describe God. A good start might be to try to describe God to a child who has yet to develop the ability to think abstractly.
- Critical to our understanding of God, we need to understand the concept of omnipotence (all powerful) and omniscient (all knowing). To motivate this exercise, answer the following 2 questions:
- Can an omnipotent God create a universe in which there exists an immovable object and an irresistible force?
- If God knows our every action, including those which occur in the future, do we have free will?
Now, go and study