So, You Think You Know Your Bible

Questions

The First Creation Story:

1. According to the Bible was the earth created from nothing? Explain.
2. Reconcile God’s omniscience with the observation that the universe is perfectly indeterminate (i.e., unpredictable). HINT: Reflect on God’s attempt at making fruit trees in vv 1:11-12
3. Why did God NOT judge His creative work on the second day as good – like He did for the other 5 days?
4. Mankind is made in the image and likeness of God (Gen 1:26-27). What is the difference between the two?
5. In most ANE (Ancient Near East) creation stories (including Genesis) the protagonist is made in the image of god (or gods). So, if being made in the image of God is commonplace, why do we make it such a big deal?
6. In Genesis 1:28 mankind is commanded to rule over God’s creation. More specifically, mankind is commanded to rule differently for inanimate and animate creations. Explain the difference?
7. What is the significance of the Sabbath?
8. What is the last verse of the first creation story?

Second Creation Story:

1. In the first creation story mankind’s purpose was to rule over all of God’s creation. So, what does the 2nd creation story tell us about why God created mankind?
2. Who committed the very first transgression in the Garden of Eden (HINT: Deuteronomy 4:2)
3. In Genesis 2:16, God gives Adam permission to eat from each and every tree in the Garden of Eden, including the tree of knowledge. Explain, then, how eating from the tree of knowledge was a disobedient act?
4. What does the phrase “good and evil” (Heb: tov va·ra) really mean (HINT: It’s not what you’ve been taught)?
5. Why did Adam and Eve not die after eating the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge?
6. In what sense was it “not good” for Adam to be alone – Lack of companionship. Lack of a servant? Lack of someone to help him tend the garden? something else?
7. Why did God banish Adam and Eve from Eden (HINT: it was not a punishment. It has to do with the answer to question ‘d’)?
8. Read and Study Genesis 3:16. Are husbands really required to rule over their wives when they’re in pain? If yes, do you think such marriages are destined for success? If not, explain.

The answers to these questions will appear in two weeks, following the lecture and discussion next week at the “Lutrin Fly-Fishing and Bible Thumpin’ Conclave”. Stay tuned.