Scripture reading: Genesis 1:1—2:3

Ground Zero

In the beginning God . . . (Genesis 1:1)

When we compare the Biblical account of creation with other cosmologies of the ancient world, only then do we begin to discover what a unique and priceless document we have in Genesis 1–2. While many teachers of Comparative Religions will want to emphasize the similarities, the truly remarkable things are the differences! Even someone with a casual awareness of the creation accounts that come to us from Egypt, Babylon, Assyria, and Greece will recognize immediately the stark contrast when compared to Genesis.

  Pagan Accounts of Creation

Many gods (polytheism)

Creation out of nothing (ex nihilo)

The gods are known through nature

A polyverse

Mythology (time and space are unimportant)

Cyclical concept of time

Creation involves sexuality

The gods are ethically messed up

The gods are represented by images

The gods must submit to a deeper impersonal force behind everything (fate)

Humans can “control” the gods through ritual and magic.

Boundaries are blurred (man/animal, male/female, god/man, right/wrong,  etc.).                           .

The gods are part of this world system

 

Genesis 1–2

One God (monotheism)

Creation out of nothing (ex nihilo)

Nature is known through God

A universe

History (time and space are very important)

Linear concept of time

There is no sexuality in God

God is a moral being (holy)

No graven images of God are allowed

God is absolute and sovereign.  There is nothing beyond, above or under him.

No man can control God! The Bible

condemns all magic and sorcery.

Boundaries are emphasized and  celebrated.

God is “wholly other”

  

How to account for such radically different understandings of our world? The best answer I know is that God himself has revealed the truth about creation and made sure it was recorded in the Bible. He wants us to know our origin so that we can understand our true identity, purpose and destiny!

 

What can be more foolish than to think that all this

rare fabric of heaven and earth could come by chance,

when all the skill of art is not able to make an oyster!

—Jeremy Taylor

 point to ponder • In the beginning . . . God.

 prayer focus • For biology teachers and their students, to analyze with discernment and wisdom.