1.8 Interpreting the Genesis Creation Stories

1) Catholic Interpretation of Genesis

• The Catholic Church teaches that the Genesis creation stories are myths, meant to convey spiritual truths, not scientific facts.

• Genesis 1 and Genesis 2 are examples of non-literal stories. For example, the creation of Eve from Adam’s rib symbolizes the complementary nature of men and women.

• Catholics can accept scientific theories, like the Big Bang and evolution, alongside Genesis. The creation stories express that God is the creator, everything He made is good, and humans are the pinnacle of creation.

• For Catholics, the word "day" in Genesis 1 does not mean a 24-hour period, but rather represents a longer time frame.

2) Key Messages in Genesis Creation Stories

1. God made everything.

2. Everything God made was good.

3. Humans are the high point of God’s creation.

3) Scientific Compatibility

• Pope Francis said in 2014 that the Big Bang and evolution do not contradict God’s act of creation; in fact, they require it.

4) Fundamentalist Interpretation

• Fundamentalists interpret Genesis literally, believing it describes factual events. They argue the Bible is the word of God, so it must be accurate.

• Many believe the universe was created in six literal days, and some reject the theory of evolution, asserting that God made humans directly. However, some fundamentalists accept scientific estimates of the universe’s age but still reject evolution.