The opening chapters of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, appear to many as pure fantasy. Legend. Myth. Unscientific. Unreasonable. Impossible of belief or acceptance. But if, as the Scriptures claim, they were inspired by God Himself (see, for example, II Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:1; and II Peter 1:20-21); and God cannot lie (see Titus 1:2 and Hebrews 6:18), then the Genesis record must be correct, accurate, and reliable. With this syllogism in mind, we must conclude that the Genesis record of the beginnings of the universe and of man may be believed. The problem then is, maybe we are not reading the text carefully and accurately. This writer has some interpretative thoughts, original with him, which may possibly shed some light on the problem. Admittedly, they may be controversial to some, but the writer thinks they may have enough validity to be "laid on the table" for all to see, study, and consider. These remarks are in no sense a detailed commentary. Scholars have written much on those lines. These are just some rambling thoughts: hence the title, "Ramblings in Genesis." Let all who read consider, think about, and respond, either affirmatively or negatively, to the "Rambles" which we plan to publish from time to time on this web-site. --- Norman L. MacLeod Jr. |