Originally posted by Robert M Blevins:
Well...it's not like my post was original. That quote from Genesis has been used before by researchers.
I KNEW that post would generate some response, though. (lol)
Actually, I try not to get involved in the Creation theory with Christians, because whether or not you believe the Biblical version is a matter of faith. Unfortunately, it doesn't fit the known facts about the geo-history of the Earth. I mean...it DOES sound like a fable made up by ancient writers who were trying to explain their existence.
I've always had a problem with one point concerning the Creation story. Life, as we know it, and some fairly advanced forms of life by the way, have been around for more than a hundred million years. No one has explained to my satisfaction exactly how man appeared at the very last second of geo-time and gained control of the planet.
At most, mankind goes back a few million years, and if you speak of 'modern' man (not cavemen or Cro-Magnon), perhaps a couple of hundred thousand years. That is only a blink of an eye in the geological record. Personally, I think the Bible is a collection of ancient writings that were authored at different periods. Much is just the history of the Jewish people. As far as the Genesis explanation, I don't buy it. It just doesn't fit the known facts.
The scenario I proposed is actually more likely. Simply put, life evolved on a planet that, by chance, found itself thrown far enough away from the sun to have a decent chance. (Not too cold...not too hot). Then, perhaps an intelligent species happened along and made a few additions...
It would explain a lot of things. Sometimes I wonder if Native Americans and some other ancient cultures had it right all along when they worshipped things that had to do with the interaction of nature. Maybe it was NEVER about an omnipresent (and usually white) God who created the Earth in seven days. (And threw in a few billion galaxies at the same time?) Maybe it was about life and nature and its spread throughout the universe. Who knows?
I admit I have a rather cynical view toward religion in general. Most religions are based on fear, or use fear as a motivator. Religion has often been used throughout history to inspire men to things other than the worship of God. Things such as war, misery, suffering, and torture. So, my view is jaundiced, indeed.
I think the only way we will discover the answers to the two BIG questions is to go out and find them ourselves. These questions being: ARE WE THE ONLY LIFE? WHY ARE WE HERE?
Probably time to get back to Ray, anyway...rather than continuing on this line.