Genesis 1-4 Quiz - Theology I

On April 11, 2025

Pluralis majestatis

Using plural pronouns to refer to oneself (The royal we)

Ex.: Let us…

Anthropomorphism

Giving human-like characteristics to a non-human (personification)

The LORD God as a person, often taking on human-like qualities, feelings, and actions.

Adam - root word

From the ground

Eve - root word

Source of life

Protoevangelium

“The first good message”

The Gospel

Conflict Approach

The Bible is science

Contrast Approach

The Bible and science are meant to answer different questions

Convergence Approach

There is truth in the Bible and in science but they aren’t meant to mix

Four Sources

Yahwist

Deuteronomist

Priestly

Elohist

4 Source Theory: What words it uses for God

Priestly: God is called simply, “God”

Yahwist: God is called, LORD or LORD God

Yahwist unique characteristics

• God is anthropomorphic

• Created in reaction to Babylonian creation myths

• Humans are collaborators

• Emphasis on closeness with The LORD God

• God is present here, rather than from up high

Priestly unique characteristics

• God creates order

• God is transcendent [a mighty wind sweeping over the water (ruah)]

• Emphasis on the role of the Levites (Priests)

• Emphasis on lists and rituals

• ORGANIZED (Orderly, Order of days)

• Emphasis on morality

• Emphasis on the power of God

• Specific order to Days of creation (which are symbolic)

Genesis 1 Creation Story

God creating the Earth day by day

Genesis 2 Creation Story

God creating Adam from ground, and Eve from rib of man

Which creation story was written by which author

• Genesis 1 Creation Story: Priestly Source

• Genesis 2 Creation Story: Yahwist Source

When were the four sources likely written?

Yahwist source: During the Exile (drama)

Priestly source: After the Exile (order)

When did the Babylonian exile happen (beginning and end dates)?

The Babylonian Exile starts “traditionally” in 586 BCE

The exile ends in 539 BCE, the Babylonians were conquered and the Jewish people returned to Judah

What do we know about the Babylonian gods, as portrayed in their creation myths?

The Babylonian gods are portrayed as violent and destructive

What are the important truths of the two creation stories?

1. Care for relationships

2. The ability to love

What is the function of the parallel of the six days of creation? What is it symbolic of?

Ex.: Day 1 (day/night) —> Day 4 Sun/moon

First 3 days involve chaos and division

Symbolic of the Jewish peoples’ time in exile

Last 3 involve order and population

Symbolic of the Jewish people returning to repopulate Israel, rebuilding of the Temple

What is symbolic in the Fall narrative? What does it symbolize?

SHAME

What are the personal and social punishments?

Snake: More motion on its belly - hated by people

Woman: Pain in childbirth - “subject” to husband

Man: Eternal Death - work will be difficult

How does human freedom play a role in sin and the Fall?

Humans have free will

Humans rebel to try and be like God

Sin enters the world, and ruins relationships

What are the jobs of each person?

Cain - Farmer

Abel - Shepherd

Who is the third son of Adam & Eve?

Seth