How Do Dinosaurs Fit Into Genesis?

[Gorgias]

Compare this with Generis 9:3 where God includes meat. Why does he specify meat in the aftermath of the flood?

Well, for one thing, I think it’d be difficult to think that all those humans and animals lived cooped up in the ark for all that time while maintaining an exclusively plant-based diet. So, rather than leave any doubt…

 

[Inquiry]

I read a commentary regarding Genesis 1:30 that the point of this verse is to show all good things come from God. God is the source of sustenance without work (or at least little work).

That’s the one I would go with. That and reinforcing the subtle assumption that everyone falls into, that animal lives are worth more than plant lives.

I generally approach Genesis in a more figurative sense; still divinely revealed truth, but not intended as historical fact. However, if you want to take a literalist look… Genesis specifies every green plant for food. That certainly isn’t true in the post-fall world.

Animals may be more likely to gore you, but in terms of edibility they are harmless compared to plants. With only a few exceptions for toxins you can eat just about any animal out there. You can only safely get nutrition from around 10-15% of the plants out there, and a lot of the rest will poison you.

Now I wouldn’t assume that this is especially meaningful, but it is something that we have to deal with if we are looking to Genesis more literally.