First and Second Story of Creation

[Steve40]

Are There Contradictions in Genesis 1 and 2?

No.

 

[Gottle_of_Geer]

When ever I read post in a Thread, such as this one, that focuses in on the first three chapters of Genesis or Evolution something always astonishes me, namely how seldom the works of Pope John Paul II and our Holy Father Benedict XVI are used. I actually want to say never - but we know all generalities are false.

But I ask why is this so? Why is it I seldom see these two great theologians being quoted or used as a reference or even their writings reflected in the thoughts of those who contribute posts on this subject? Is it because too many of us are not familiar with their writings, or perhaps some find it difficult when they use modern biblical scholarship in their writings?

I ask how many of us are familiar with the General Audiances given by Pope John Paul II in the months of October through December of 1979? How many of us have read and studied Pope Benedict’s work, “In the Beginning” or his several books on Mary? I ask this because if many of us were familiar with these important works then many of the questions concerning Genesis 1 - 3 would have been answered or would have been reflected in the post given.

If we call Pope John Paul II, “John Paul the Great” then shouldn’t we honor him by studying and understanding what he wrote and taught? True, Pope John Paul II did write that what Pope Pius XII wrote about Genesis was true however I am afraid too many stop at that headline and do not to continue to go on and read the wealth of all his teachings on the meaning of Genesis 1 - 3. Or read only the criticisms Pope Benedict XVI has towards the use of historical criticical method in biblical scholarship yet fail to read his works that uses modern biblical scholarship as I believe it should be used and thus miss out on the wealth of our Holy Father’s knowledge and teachings.

But why this is so, I just don’t know.

BXVI at least is quoted often on evolution threads - you must have been reading different ones from some of us ​

 

[TOME]

I have to keep this short because I am traveling right now (I’m driving south but hopefully I am not going too far south in some people’s estimation).

First, to Gottle of Geer, I have always enjoyed and learned from your post so thank you for your latest post to me.

To SpiritMeadow, my best reply is I think you should study some of the writings of Pope Benedict and judge for yourself on his approach of using scripture in his theology.

But I still would like to see the works of John Paul II and our Holy Father used more or at least acknowledged.

 

[Ignatius]

Hi all,
I will be teaching a small Bible study soon on Genesis, the story of creation. I have a few thoughts already about how to explain the fact that there are 2 creation stories. People seem to have a lot of questions about this one. I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts. Thanks.

There is only one creation story. It is simply told from two different persectives. The first is present perfect, the second one is a sort of “flash-back” kind of narrative as though looking back in time and retelling the story.

 

[NotWorthy]

There is only one creation story. It is simply told from two different persectives. The first is present perfect, the second one is a sort of “flash-back” kind of narrative as though looking back in time and retelling the story.

I’m not quite sure I understand. I agree that there is one creation story, but can you elaborate?

 

[SpiritMeadow]

I’m not quite sure I understand. I agree that there is one creation story, but can you elaborate?

It seems unnecessary to go in this vein since the OP starts with the premise of two creation stories and he is a certified catechesist.

So are these two posts intending to be helpful or just stating that you disagree with the premise?

 

[NotWorthy]

It seems unnecessary to go in this vein since the OP starts with the premise of two creation stories and he is a certified catechesist.

So are these two posts intending to be helpful or just stating that you disagree with the premise?

I thought the OP was asking for peoples thoughts on this issue.

I was intrigued by Ignatius’ answer (I agree that the two creation accounts are part of the same creation story), so I asked him to explain. I thought this was in the theme of the OP’s query, since he specifically did ask for our thoughts.