ReEd-2-Chapter-4

Module Overview

• Center for Religious Education (USJ-R)

  • Focus on Sharing and Living Jesus

  • Module II: An Integrated Survey of the Old Testament

Chapter 4: Creation

• Key Themes:

  • Historical formation and narrative sources of creation account in Genesis

  • Religious meaning of creation in relation to contemporary divine entitlement

  • Meditative approach to the omnipotence of God through Genesis

The Two Creation Narratives

Learning Objectives:

• Describe:

  • The two creation narratives and their sources

  • Historical influences in their formation

• Discuss the divine implications of creation in modern context

• Engage in prayerful contemplation on God’s power

Genesis as the Origin

• Hebrew Word: בְּרֵאשִׁית (bereshit) translates to "in the beginning"

• Reference: Genesis 1:1 - Establishing the biblical foundation for the creation story

Biblical Scholars

• Notable Figure: Julius Wellhausen (1844-1918)

  • Developed the Documentary Hypothesis

  • Proposed the Hexateuch, which includes Joshua along with the Pentateuch

Sources of the Pentateuch

Distinct Traditions:

• J (Yahwist): 960-930 BC

  • Characterized by:

    • Colorful narratives and dialogues

    • Anthropomorphic depiction of God

    • Focus on Judah

• E (Elohist): 900-850 BC

  • Features:

    • God (Elohim) communicates through dreams and angels

    • Emphasizes fear of the Lord

    • Critiques figures like Aaron and Miriam

• D (Deuteronomist)

  • Tied to Josiah's reform

  • Features long speeches focusing on laws and Mosaic obedience

• P (Priestly): 550-450 BC

  • Focuses on cultic worship and rituals

  • Style: Abstract with genealogies and sacrificial laws

Historical Context

• Editing Timeline:

  • 722 BC: Fall of the Northern Kingdom, merging of J and E

  • 550 BC: Combination of J, E, and P

  • 400 BC: Final merging of J, E, P, and D

Creation Narrative in Genesis 1

Overview of Creation Days:

1. Day 1: Creation of light

2. Day 2: Separation of waters

3. Day 3: Earth and vegetation

4. Day 4: Creation of celestial bodies (sun, moon, stars)

5. Day 5: Creation of aquatic life and birds

6. Day 6: Creation of land animals and humans

7. Day 7: God rests, establishing the Sabbath

The Nature of the Sabbath

• Hebrew Word: qadosh meaning holy

• Significance: Represents completion and sanctity of creation

• Number 7: Symbolizes fullness and perfection

From Chaos to Order

• Creation narrative emphasizes God's power to impose order on chaos

• The world reflects God's intentionality and boundaries

The Anthropocentric Focus of Creation

• Genesis 1:26-31: Focuses on humanity's place in creation

• Humans are the pinnacle of creation, tasked with stewardship

• The narrative emphasizes God’s goodness and the centrality of God in creation

Second Creation Narrative (Genesis 2)

• Reflects Yahwist tradition; focuses on the creation of humanity and immediate relationship with God

• Significant shifts in focus from creation to the role of man in the Garden of Eden

Creation of Humanity

• 'ha adam': human created from the earth, emphasizing connection to creation

• Creation of 'ishah' (woman) signifies partnership and intimacy

• ‘ezer’: described as a helper, indicating strength and support

The Fall and Original Sin (Genesis 3)

• Central Narrative: Details the temptation and disobedience in the Garden of Eden

• Explains the origin of evil as a moral choice rather than inherent evil

• Introduces the concept of free will and its consequences

Symbolism of Trees

• Tree of Life: Represents eternal life, seen in biblical texts

• Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil: Unique to Genesis, represents moral dilemmas and human choice

Role of the Serpent

• Engages in temptation:

  • Symbolizes danger and chaos, also associated with wisdom in other cultures

• Reflects on inner dynamics of temptation and moral choices

Consequences of the Fall

• Shift in Relationship with God: Humans experience alienation due to disobedience

• Cultural Patterns of Sin: The normalization of sin in human systems and structures

Restoring Dignity

• God's provision of garments for Adam and Eve signifies mercy after punishment

Myths and the Bible

• Myths explore origins and convey transcendent truths through narrative

• The Bible communicates faith-based understandings rather than scientific explanations of the world

Exploration of Evil

• Addressing questions surrounding the prevalence of evil, injustice, and human suffering

• Encouraging a collective responsibility to care for creation and each other

Conclusion

• Emphasizes active participation with God in creation and restoration efforts

• Advocacy for humility and understanding in relation to creation and its challenges

Final Thoughts

• Understanding language and context in biblical stories enriches theological interpretation and personal faith.