MCo:A Literal Reading of Genesis 1:1 to 2:3
This page was originally copied from the old MCo:Many Counsellors wiki. Please sign if you edit it.
What is a "literal reading"?
It has been claimed that Genesis 1:1 - 2:3 can be read literally — as a summary of what really happened. If this is true, then it should be possible to flesh out the literal summary with suggested details, building up a plausible step-by-step account.
A hallmark of literal readings of Genesis 1:1 - 2:3 is the belief that each day mentioned is One 24-hour Day.
Such accounts could include unprovable speculations and any number of miracles. Elements of the account could have symbolic meaning in addition to their literal historical meaning.
Why try to flesh out a literal reading?
Many people claim that the first chapter of the Bible can be read literally. For them, the objective is simply to show that a literal reading is possible by creating a single example of a coherent literal reading.
See Problems with Literal Readings of Genesis 1:1 to 2:3 for questions that will help keep a literal reading consistent with what Genesis actually says.
Some people not only insist that the first chapter of the Bible can be read literally, but require other people to do so. In their case, their credibility and even honesty depend on whether they can flesh out a plausible literal reading.
For other ways to read Genesis 1:1 - 2:3, see Non-Literal Readings of Genesis 1:1 to 2:3
The best literal reading of Genesis 1:1 - 2:3 so far
Day 1: Genesis 1:1-5
Day 2: Genesis 1:6-7
Day 3:
Day 4:
Day 5:
Day 6:
Day 7:
- This page begun by Emu 09:05, 15 May 2004 (EST)
