This week we are concluding the Genesis 1-11 block of chapters with a deeper academic look at the genealogies that render a chronology we can follow through the rest of the Bible. Genesis 1-11 is the foundational piece to the rest of the Bible, and therefore the most attacked, often within the Christian academic community itself. Genesis forms the doctrinal roadmap leading to the reason for Jesus’ life, death and resurrection throughout the rest of the Bible, and is therefore important for all Christians to have a basic understand of, including the academic debates.
The video presentation is an academic dissertation that gives some of the history and scholarly research supporting the traditional view of the text and its literal interpretation, along with the dissenting views from some of the more modern academic scholars today. Please note, this will help someone who is really interested in the deeper understanding of the academic views that include literary devices and original language interpretation as seen directly from the text itself.
The following is an excerpt from the presentation, by Henry B. Smith Jr.:
“Symbolic and other non-literal interpretations of the numbers in Genesis 5 and 11 end up creating a collapsed chronology and exegetical absurdities. A detailed exegetical examination of Genesis 5 and 11 and all other relevant biblical texts demonstrates that the patriarchal lifespans are meant to be understood as actual ages and the primeval history yields a chronology from Adam to Abraham. Includes a discussion of Abraham’s life chronology and lifespan.” Presented in Virginia Beach, VA at the Regional Meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society, April 22, 2022.
Check out the presentation, by Henry B. Smith Jr., on this topic:
For more on Biblical archeology and topics like this go to their website: Associates for Biblical Research
Bible Study
Each week we have Bible study following the presentation. There will be questions presented here on the weekend, and basic answers will be posted mid-week for your review (except for this week as the questions this week are for discussion and reflection, thus answers will vary). This entire class, presentations and Bible study Q and A, can also be used to make a leader’s guide for your own small group and future studies!
Always remember to pray before you study and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you into the truth found in God’s Word – pray for protection from the evil one who will try to discourage, distract and deceive us when we commit to growing closer to the LORD.
1. Review of Class Topic:
With your table group, discuss today’s presentation by summarizing what you learned, commenting or asking any questions.
Because Genesis Chapters 1-11 are so foundation to our faith, it is important to have a basic understanding of the narrative, the interpretive views and the importance it has to your study of the rest of the Bible.
Review and reflection of your study in Genesis Chapters 1 – 11 with your group then, to the best of your ability, answer the following questions:
2. Discuss the purpose of the writing of Genesis 1-11 as it fits in with the rest of the Biblical story.
3. What are some of the main take-aways from Genesis 1-11 that we can share with others?
4. Application: What kinds of questions and/or problems do we have today that Genesis 1-11 might help us understand, and why?
5. Going Deeper – Research: Choose one of the topics covered in this class and go deeper in your research using some of the references given in this class (or share other references you have come across that support the premise of this class). Example topics: Creation – Fall – Flood – Tower of Babel – Genealogies
Note: Answers will not be posted for this review as there can be a variety of discussions and references within your own group or individual study.
Please continue to join us each week as we make a case for Christianity!
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You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in! Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.
Click into the resource page of this website to view many of the top Christian thinkers and apologists along with some of their work; connecting to these types of resources is essential in your Christian growth.
Please let me know what you think: Give feedback, ask questions or send concerns in the comment section of the blog.
Teri Dugan
TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com
1 Peter 3:15