The Genesis Myth
Submitted by Triple Q on July 08 1999 at 18:07:42
In reply to Is a myth nonfiction? Submitted by Heather on July 08 1999 at 17:28:02
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It would take an insane person to take the Genesis story in the Bible and say that archeaological evidence doesn't support it so the entire Bible must be a work of fiction. For one simple reason: No one was alive at the time of Genesis to prove that it did happen that way. So, of course, the story of Genesis is mere speculation (unless, of course, someone admits that God gave the story to him directly). The story of the Exodus, on the other hand, is quite specific about some details while very vague in others. If the specifics could be proven, it would provide credence for the entire story and aid in filling in the vague parts. When this has been done, the Bible earns more credence as a factual document...instead of a myth. As to King Arthur: yes, he was a real man and, yes, no one can say for sure what happened during his life. In fact, no one has ever disputed that the majority of the stories that grew up around him are merely speculation and fantasy. But then again, no one has ever claimed that the stories written about him were handed to them through Divine inspiration, i.e. God. That's the difference. King Arthur is not a god (although some of his stories do tend to elevate him towards that goal). He is nothing more than a man who some want to believe lived an extraordinary life. When people talk about the Bible, they use terms such as: "God-inspired" "The Word of God" "God's Wisdom" In effect, they are saying that (while he didn't actually pen the words himself) the Bible was written by God. Not only that but written by a God who "knows all, sees all". So not one word of the Bible could be in error since it was written by an omnipotent God. That's why you don't see people obsessing over every little incident in the King Arthur stories...because, quite frankly, it just isn't that significant a thing in their lives. It's a quaint little collection of stories that may or may not be true. For people who believe in the Bible, that is not so. The Bible IS significant in their lives. It's their guide through life, their crutch when they are in pain, their moral center. Which is why providing historical proof that the incidents in the Bible did actually happen is of the utmost importance. If someone could provide PROOF POSITIVE that even one incident in the Bible did not happen, it would shed doubt on everything in the Bible...including its wisdom. |