I’ve long been planning to preach on the intersection of faith and science this Sunday, but I don’t plan to preach on the two accounts of creation found in Genesis 1.1-2:4 and 2:4-25. For that reason, I want to share a few points with you here:
- Genesis tells not one but two creation stories (Genesis 1.1-2:4a and 2:4b-25).
- Taken literally as if they were scientific accounts these two stories are in conflict.
- Taken non-literally (as intended) they mutually reinforce the understanding of a benevolent God who created all things, a good creation, and humanity’s special place in it.
- Therefore, while they are true and they convey profound truths about God and humanity, these accounts should not be taken literally.
- Therefore the hypothesis/theory of evolution and the creation accounts in Genesis are not necessarily in conflict.