01/01/10

Genesis 1-2

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth...

As I read the creation story today, I am struck (not for the first time, but maybe the most clearly) by how closely the Genesis account of creation meshes with the "scientific" account of creation. That is to say, if one were to describe creation in the way many scientists now believe it occurred to one with the scientific background and knowledge of someone living 4,500 years ago, that description would be very similar to what we see in scripture.

"God said, 'Let there be light.'" He spoke the universe into existence. I suspect that there was a pretty "big bang" when that happened. He gathered the waters and the earth. Life began in the water and moved to the land. The animals were created and then man.

All sounds like the process and progression that scientists now claim created - uncaused and unguided - the universe and life.

Proverbs 1

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction...

While I'm not generally a fan of the very modern translations, I like the "New Living Translation" version of Pv 1:2-4...

2 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,
to help them understand the insights of the wise.

3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair.

4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young.

I think that's an excellent summary of what the book is.

Or, to be more specific, what my perception of the book is...