Genesis 1 and 2

I’m hesitant to write what I think about creation because of what others might think. That’s sad. I shouldn’t be afraid of being unfriended or ridiculed because of what I think especially by other believers. But I am. I’ve never really understood why it is so hard for believers to have a reasoned discussion over a difference in interpretation.

Most, if not all, civilizations have a creation story. (See Leeming, David Adams; Leeming, Margaret Adams (2009), A Dictionary of Creation Myths Oxford Reference online ed. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0195102754). A list of creation myths can be found on Wikipedia Under List of Creation Myths, although the article lacks references.

The Chaldean Genesis

Critics of Genesis point to the Epic of Enuma Elish as the basis for the Creation story in Chapters 1 and 2. Because the Epic was written during the Sumerian period, which was before Genesis was written, critics believe Genesis was adapted from the earlier epic.

The epic was written on six tablets (6 days) with a seventh tablet (Sabbath) praising the work recorded in the first six tablets. Copies of the Epic may also be found under The Chaldean Genesis, which was the title given to the Epic when it was first published in the 19th century. A copy of the 19th century text is available online.

When something was written doesn’t mean it did not exist as oral history. Genesis could have existed before the Epic as an oral tradition. It is interesting that Genesis is the only creation account that has only a single God without form ( no idols) and specifically mentions woman as part of creation. Despite all the science, I have a hard time believing that we are an accident of nature.

What do you think? An accident of nature or an act of God?