The Cosmic Temple Inauguration View of Genesis One

Understanding an ancient text such as Genesis 1 requires us to consider issues the way they would have. A foundational issue is how they thought about existence. Ancient peoples believed that something existed when it had a function. This is in contrast to our belief that existence is tied to material properties. This position views Genesis 1 as an account of functional origins rather than an account of material origins. We must also recognize the cosmos functions as sacred space a cosmic temple concept, which conveys the idea that God has established order in the cosmos which has become his dwelling place. The seven days concern the inauguration of the functional cosmic temple rather than the time over which the material cosmos came into existence.

Six 24-Hour Days, A Reformed View

The six 24-hour day view of the creation days of Genesis 1 (variously called the normal day view, the literal view, the calendar day view, etc.) that is, the view that we are to understand God's creation days as recorded in Genesis 1 to be calendar days of the sort we now regularly experience is the default view of Christianity, historically and confessionally. That is, the historic Christian tradition has always in the main viewed these days as calendar days, because it has viewed the Genesis account as historical. This talk will explain the history and hermeneutics of this issue from a Reformed perspective.

The Perspective of "The Lost World of Genesis" and How it Impacts the Principal Doctrines of Christianity and the Study of the Universe

John presents his position, which interprets Genesis 1 as ancient literature. At the heart of the position is the evidence that it does not intend to offer a material account of origins, but a functional account of origins based on the premise that the created world is the cosmic temple of God. This material has been published in a number of places, most conveniently in the IVP book, The Lost World of Genesis One. There will be ample time for questions and interaction.

What's All the Fuss About Faith and Science in Genesis?

Faith and ScienceMelanie DevereauxDecember 18, 2018John Walton, Tremper Longman, Faith and Science, Study of Genesis, Science

Genesis 1 and Science: Discord or Harmony?

Presented in a Q&A format, this breakout session offered an opportunity for further discussion of Hugh's plenary presentation entitled: Cosmic Reason: Did God Supernaturally Design the Universe for Man's Benefit?

Hugh Ross, Faith and ScienceMelanie DevereauxDecember 17, 2018Study of Genesis, Hugh Ross, Origins, Creation, Faith and Science

Interpretations of the First Three Chapters of Genesis and Their Relationships to Our Faith and Science

An overview of approaches to interpreting the first three chapters of Genesis with application to the faith and science dialogue.

Genesis 1-2: One or Two Narratives?

Genesis 2 is not a second account of the creation that differs from the Genesis 1 narrative. Instead, it focuses on the Garden of Eden and does not give a contradictory account of the first description given in the preceding chapter. This explanation will account for the change in the divine name, the expressions of the shrubs of the field, and grain of the field. The chapter also includes the divine building of a woman who is a power corresponding to the man.

Death Before the Fall? A Discussion of the Biblical Account, the Scientific Evidence, and Theological Implications

Faith and Science, Walter Kaiser, Jack Collins, Fazale Rana, Hugh Ross, Vibrant DanceMelanie DevereauxDecember 3, 2018Theology, Study of Genesis

Genesis 1-11 Poetry, History, Science and Truth

How does Genesis 1-11 have and not have a bearing on science. Genesis 1-11 will be viewed in connection with other origin stories and as the front end of the worldview story. The idea of three different kinds of language from C.S. Lewis will be explored in relation to their application to Genesis 1-11. The idea of not being scientific will be contrasted with having no relevance to science. Poetic language will be shown as not the same as non-historical language.

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