Contradictions: Underneath a Solid Sky (Does Genesis 1 teach the sky was solid?)

AiG ^ | March 9, 2009 | Gary Vaterlaus

[GodGunsGuts]

Critics of the Bible have often said that the writings of Genesis reflect an “unscientific view” of the universe—one that reflected the cosmology of the ancient world. One of these criticisms centers on the Hebrew word raqia used in the creation account of Genesis 1. Several Bible versions, such as the New King James, translate this word as firmament:

Genesis 1:6–8, NJKV
Then God said, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.” Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day. [Emphasis added.]

The argument from these Bible critics is that the ancient Hebrews believed in a solid dome with the stars embedded in the dome. They say that the word firmament reflects the idea of firmness, and this reflects erroneous cosmology. Therefore, the Bible is not the inspired Word of God, and we don’t need to listen to its teaching.

However, other versions of the Bible, such as the New American Standard, translate raqia as expanse:

Genesis 1:6–8, NASB
Then God said, “Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” God made the expanse, and separated the waters which were below the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse; and it was so. God called the expanse heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, a second day. [Emphasis added.]

But which is the correct term to use?...

[GGpaX4DumpedTea]

“Does not matter what they believed....it ain’t solid....”

There is some evidence suggesting that there was a “solid” sphere surrounding the earth from Adam to Noah. This was ice, according to the suggestion, and this is where the water for 40 days of rain came from during Noah’s flood. The suggestion is that a “fly-by”, asteroid for instance, broke the ice and as it began to fall to earth, provided the deluge of water.

There is evidence that atomospheric pressure was double or more what it is today. There is also evidence that oxygen in the atmosphere was 30+ percent. This could explain the long life before the flood. Before sin came in man did not face death, and this could have been a part of God’s plan to make life without death possible. The ice shield would also protect from harmful rays from the sun. All of this would equate to a true green-house effect.