When I was small I had, as part of a chemistry set, round plastic pieces of different sizes and colours with parts that fit into each other, representing atoms that combined to form molecules - a very effective teaching device to understand the structure of the world. At that point the structure of DNA had been discovered. Later I would learn how complex organic molecules (enzymes) have a shape that electromagnetically brings other molecules into position so as to dramatically increase the probability of a particular chemical reaction occurring. This in along with all the intricately complex series of events that occur in DNA replication and its central role in protein synthesis. I recall there also being pictures of what were the tiny solar systems that constituted atoms. In the microcosm were to be found the same patterns seen in the macrocosm. An older concept but valuable nontheless in understanding how matter works.
This rambling discourse is to illustrate how the mind works as we reach out within the world around us to intellectually capture its structure and behaviour. We use simple concepts derived from our every-day perceptual, mostly visual, experience. But, all this gets very complex, very quickly as we peer deeper into the nature of matter. We have to devise new ways to explain our observations. Sometimes something very confusing and complex is revealed to be so simple: the movement of the planets, the elusive shape of benzene (the snake biting its tail in a dream), as well as the double helix.
How are we to speak about God and creation? He has to reveal Himself, or we are lost. He has established a historical dialogue with humanity through His church in the form of tradition and scripture. We collectively as well as individually grow towards Him. Genesis is available to the everyone, but it’s meaning is revealed through the grace of the Holy Spirit. In our state of ignorance it can be difficult to discern if what we think is truth or some delusion. That is one of the reasons why we require the Church, established by Jesus and guided by the Holy Spirit; we are all in this together.
God is Immoveable and yet He walks with us. He is right here and now, He knows why we talk about Him in the third person; so we are not being rude, although it would be better to pray. He is Immoveable because He is the Source of all movement. He is with us as loving Father, interested in our happiness, but on the scale of eternity. The medicine can be difficult to take sometimes.
The majority of people I know are Jews. Some are secular; many see Genesis as an important but fanciful story that binds them together as a community which has existed and thrived through the millennia. Many understand it as do Christians and Muslims.
Genesis reveals the truth of the beginnings of our relationship with God. I would recommend its contemplation with the Catechism, at least, on hand for guidance.
