The Bible Slam: Genesis Chapter 1
Genesis 1 is the very first book in the Bible, and describes how the earth and heavens were created. The comments and discussion in this section are not to make fun of Christians, but to point out discrepancies in a book that is allegedly inerrant and without contradiction. This chapter and the following chapter are critical reading if one is to understand why the teaching of creationism and intelligent design in the public schools has ignited debate.
Quick Navigation:
- About the Bible Slam – If you are new here, please read the about page to understand the choice of the word "slam" and to read the Important Disclaimer about swear words. We have provided a link to biblical reading without swear words or commentary on the about page, just in case swear words are offensive to you.
- {NEXT} Genesis Chapter 2
Discussion.
The creation stories (you'll learn that there is more than one story) in the Bible have fueled the debate over whether evolution or "intelligent design" should be taught in public schools. When it comes to the Bible, some people are ardent believers … regardless of whether or not the Bible story matches with scientific fact. For instance, the Examiner reported on the reaction of people in Waco, Texas, during a year 2006 lecture given by Bill Nye (known as the "the Science Guy" in children's entertainment). When Nye suggested that the moon did not generate its own light, but reflected light from the sun, he was booed. According to the Examiner:
Trouble started when the children's entertainer brought up Genesis 1:16, which reads: "God made two great lights — the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars," and pointed out that the lesser light was actually a reflector.
At this point, several people in the audience stormed out, including a woman with three small children who muttered, "We believe in God!" and left.
With an eye toward the Bible being the "inerrant" word of God, here are some points to discuss and consider:
- God creates light and separates light from darkness, and day from night, on the first day. However, the light producing objects such as the sun and stars were not created until the fourth day.
- The "firmament" is apparently some kind of dome, made out of water. There is no space as we know it, according to this account.
- Grasses and fruit trees were created on the 3rd day, yet there was no sun until the 4th day.
- As Dr. Nye points out, the moon is not a light — it only reflects light from the sun. The moon, which "rules the night" is often visible during the day. How is that so?
- How many gods are there? Which one applies? In this account, God says at Genesis 1:26, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness" and then in Genesis 1:27, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."
- In Genesis 1, man and woman are created at the same time.
- There is no forbidden fruit in Chapter 1. The fruit of every tree may be eaten.
- For King James version text and annotations: Genesis 1
Related posts:
- The Bible Slam: Genesis Chapter 2
- The Bible Slam: Genesis Chapter 5
- The Bible Slam: Genesis Chapter 23
- The Bible Slam: Genesis Chapter 19
- The Bible Slam: Genesis Chapter 20
- The Bible Slam: Genesis Chapter 15
- The Bible Slam: Genesis Chapter 14
- The Bible Slam: Genesis Chapter 46
- The Bible Slam: Genesis Chapter 11
- The Bible Slam: Genesis Chapter 9
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4 Responses to “The Bible Slam: Genesis Chapter 1”
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About: "How many gods are there? Which one applies? In this account, God says at Genesis 1:26, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness" and then in Genesis 1:27, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.""
I believe that on Genesis 1:26, it is a direct quote of what God said to Himself Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. "Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness" 'Us' and 'Our' being Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is not many gods, He is one.
In Genesis 1:27 then explains that God created man in His own image. The image of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit make one God.
that is what I believe.
Why should the belief in the incarnation of God in Christ imply trinitarianism? Why not tritheism? Why not modalism?
"I believe that on Genesis 1:26, it is a direct quote of what God said to Himself Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. "Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness" 'Us' and 'Our' being Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is not many gods. He is one."
So women are not in the image of God? Is this why the bible condones rape and so forth? It seems to me that an omnipotent god would not be limited to a father, son and holy spirit.
"So women are not in the image of God? Is this why the bible condones rape and so forth? It seems to me that an omnipotent god would not be limited to a father, son and holy spirit."
Actually, I believe women were also created in the image of God.
Genesis 1:27 says:
"So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them."
Remember, Genesis 2:22-23
"And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man."
In other words, when he created man in His image, he created woman in His image as well.
Also, I do not believe God condones rape. Deuteronomy 22:25-27.
"But if a man find a betrothed damsel in the field, and the man force her, and lie with her: then the man only that lay with her shall die. But unto the damsel thou shalt do nothing; there is in the damsel no sin worthy of death: for as when a man riseth against his neighbour, and slayeth him, even so is this matter. For he found her in the field, and the betrothed damsel cried, and there was none to save her."
And, Im not quite sure what you mean when you say "It seems to me that an omnipotent god would not be limited to a father, son and holy spirit."
Im guessing you are trying to state the idea that God ,when He says "our image", "our" can be other beings besides Him?
Yes, I believe that my Omnipotent God is not limited, and because of his omnipotent nature and perfection, He created man in the only image that is Perfect and the only image that is Holy and Righteous: God.
I believe that God created man/women in His image(Father, Son, Holy Spirit) because it is the only essence of perfection,righteousness, and holiness. Any other image besides Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, would be an image of flaws, and sin. Unfortunately, Adam chose to disobey and the image of God was taken away. He was now sinful and not perfect. However, thanks to Jesus, we have been able to restore our lives back to His image through His blood. Furthermore, once we are with our Father in Heaven, we shall truly be restored back to Gods image.
This is what I believe.