Space and Time in the Genesis Cosmogony by Meredith G. Kline
[From Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith, 48:2-15
(1996)]
Jack Haas, the editor, has given me permission to put this on-line.
Hyper-text version, viewed best with Netscape 2.0 or equivialent browser
http://mcgraytx.calvin.edu/ASA/PSCF3-96Kline.html
Text only version
http://mcgraytx.calvin.edu/ASA/PSCF3-96Klineold.html
Here's the abstract:
To rebut the literalist interpretation of the Genesis creation week
propounded by the young-earth theorists is a central concern of this
article. At the same time, the exegetical evidence adduced also refutes the
harmonistic day-age view. The conclusion is that as far as the time frame
is concerned, with respect to both the duration and sequence of events, the
scientist is left free of biblical constraints in hypothesizing about
cosmic origins.
The opening section gives a biblico-theological sketch of the two-register
nature of cosmology as presented in Scripture. The second major section
shows how two-register cosmology informs and shapes the treatment of both
the space and time dimensions in the Genesis prologue. It is found that a
metaphorical relationship exists between the two levels; the heavenly level
(upper register) is described in figures drawn from the earthly level
(lower register). As for the seven-day scheme, it belongs to the upper
register and is, therefore, to be understood figuratively, not literally.
The point of the concluding section is that Genesis 1, on any view that
identifies the narrative order with the temporal sequence, would contradict
the teaching of Gen. 2:5 concerning the natural mode of providence during
the creation process.
TG
_____________________________________________________________
Terry M. Gray, Ph.D. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Calvin College 3201 Burton SE Grand Rapids, MI 40546
Office: (616) 957-7187 FAX: (616) 957-6501
Email: grayt@calvin.edu http://www.calvin.edu/~grayt