Analysis of Genesis 1-3
Critical Analysis of Genesis 1-3 In the book of Genesis there are two definable superscriptions of creation that occur within the first three segments. Genesis 1:1-2:4a and Genesis 2:4b-3:24 can be viewed and contrasted separately as two different creation theories conveying both similar and different aspects of creation.
Both theories of creation are written in a formal writing style and told from a third person narrative account. Statements of facts and dialogue can be found throughout both Genesis 1:1-2:4a and Genesis 2:4b-3:24. Another similarity I found in the two creation stories is that God created both men and women. One difference between the two stories is in the first creation theory God, made humankind in his image, to hold dominion over the fishes of the sea and all other wild animals. In the second story of creation, God created man out of the dust of the earth and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils. An additional difference between the two stories occurs in the first creation when God created humankind last after he created: the heavens and the earth, night and day, the seasons, vegetation, great sea monsters and every living creature that moves. In the second creation, God created humankind first before there was any vegetation or wild animals inhabiting the earth. Another difference I found in the two historical accounts is the role that God intends humankind to play in the world. In the first creation the role of man was to be fruitful, multiply, to fill the earth and subdue it, and to hold dominion over the animals that inhabit the land. In the second creation theory, the role of humankind was to till the land and maintain the upkeep of the Garden of Eden, and to eat freely from every tree except the tree of knowledge. Another noticeable difference is the way God introduced the animals into the earth. In the first creation theory, God put wild animals on earth to be held under the dominion of humankind. In the
Both theories of creation are written in a formal writing style and told from a third person narrative account. Statements of facts and dialogue can be found throughout both Genesis 1:1-2:4a and Genesis 2:4b-3:24. Another similarity I found in the two creation stories is that God created both men and women. One difference between the two stories is in the first creation theory God, made humankind in his image, to hold dominion over the fishes of the sea and all other wild animals. In the second story of creation, God created man out of the dust of the earth and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils. An additional difference between the two stories occurs in the first creation when God created humankind last after he created: the heavens and the earth, night and day, the seasons, vegetation, great sea monsters and every living creature that moves. In the second creation, God created humankind first before there was any vegetation or wild animals inhabiting the earth. Another difference I found in the two historical accounts is the role that God intends humankind to play in the world. In the first creation the role of man was to be fruitful, multiply, to fill the earth and subdue it, and to hold dominion over the animals that inhabit the land. In the second creation theory, the role of humankind was to till the land and maintain the upkeep of the Garden of Eden, and to eat freely from every tree except the tree of knowledge. Another noticeable difference is the way God introduced the animals into the earth. In the first creation theory, God put wild animals on earth to be held under the dominion of humankind. In the
Bibliography: Holy Bible