"And hundres of millions believe Genesis as written. What's your point?"
Well, I can't answer for the other poster, but the fact that there is considerable division amongst Jews and Christians about the Genesis account means that it's not entirely clear who is correct.
Either the Genesis account is an allegory, as many believe, or it is literally true, as many others believe.
I take my clue from the audience that was being addressed in Genesis at the time of its writing. A detailed explanation of the processes involved would not have been comprehensible to them. So, a simple account was preferable.
The similarity of the Genesis account to other creation stories, at least in its simplicity, tends to add credence to the allegorical nature of the account.
Do a search for "creation stories" (no quotes) on Google. You'll find several sites which contain creation stories from a number of cultures. All of them are allegorical.
MM said it better than I would have.
So we are left with some believe one thing and others believe something else. Works for me.
The bible is correct. Any interpretation of it can be fallible.Either the Genesis account is an allegory, as many believe, or it is literally true, as many others believe.
True, but it makes no claim or allusion to the possibility of it being an allegory. It does not follow the typical format of Hebrew prose.I take my clue from the audience that was being addressed in Genesis at the time of its writing. A detailed explanation of the processes involved would not have been comprehensible to them. So, a simple account was preferable.
I certainly agree with that. Even the simple explanation of the processes that are given are not comprehensible to much of the present generation. However, it doesn't take a genius to see that a simple explanation of evolution in no way resembles the account given in Genesis. If evolution were true, God could have easily given a simple account that described the series of events. I believe that you are underestimating the intelligence of the audience that was being addressed, and you underestimate God's ability to reveal Himself to us.The similarity of the Genesis account to other creation stories, at least in its simplicity, tends to add credence to the allegorical nature of the account.
It also adds credence to the possibility that the Genesis account is true since all cultures in the world would have descended from the family of Noah. A root family with the ability to communicate.Do a search for "creation stories" (no quotes) on Google. You'll find several sites which contain creation stories from a number of cultures. All of them are allegorical.
However, none of these stories claim to be the inspired word of God.
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.- 2 Timothy 3:16-17
But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ.- 1 Corinthians 2:14-16