Genesis Chapter 2 Flashcards

Key Concepts in Genesis

• Evolutionist: Views the universe as having evolved over millions of years, with humans as part of this process.
• Creationist: Believes the Genesis account is factually true, asserting God created the world in seven days and in a specific order.
• Myth: A narrative, often involving gods, that imparts lessons regarding origins and purposes of creation.
• Prehistory: Refers to the period before recorded history, encompassing humanity prior to the biblical era.

Significant Events and Terms

• Sabbath: The seventh day of creation when God rested, establishing a day for rest and worship.
• Dominion: The concept of stewardship or control over creation, established by God.
• Enuma Elish: An ancient Babylonian creation myth that influenced the biblical creation narrative while stripping pagan elements.

Philosophical and Theological Concepts

• Intelligent Design: The idea that the universe's order suggests it was created by an intelligent being.
• Unmoved Mover: Concept defining God as the ultimate cause, initiating the existence of all things.
• Omnipresent: God’s nature of being present everywhere.

Human Nature and Sin

• Original Sin: The belief that humans inherit a fallen nature from the first sin of Adam and Eve.
• The Fall of Man: Reflects the disruption of humanity's closeness with God and each other due to disobedience.
• Free Will: Humans possess the freedom to choose their actions, including sinful ones, resulting in suffering from poor choices.

Covenants and Promises

• Covenant: A sacred promise made by God; symbolized by a rainbow, signifying no future flood destruction.

Types of Sin

• Personal Sin: Individual acts committed freely, such as those seen in the Cain and Abel myth.
• Social Sin: Sin embedded within social institutions, as illustrated by the myth of Noah's Ark.

Creation Myths in Genesis

• Five Myths in Order: Creation, The Fall of Man, Cain and Abel, Noah's Ark, Tower of Babel.
• Significance of Creation Myths: Address the origins of humanity and purpose of existence, questioning why the Israelites were curious about pre-Abraham events.
• Israelite God vs. Babylonian Gods: Contrasts the benevolence of Yahweh, who created for humanity’s enjoyment, with the selfishness of Babylonian deities.

Lessons and Truths from Myths

• Religious Truths in Creation Myths:
  • The inherent goodness of God and humanity.
  • God's care for creation and humans’ happiness.
  • Dignity and worth derived from being made in God's image.
  • The responsibility to care for the environment.

Thematic Lessons from Specific Myths

• Cain and Abel: Highlights responsibility for one another and the impact of sin within families (murder due to jealousy).
• Noah's Ark: Represents social sin and the importance of obedience to God for salvation; the covenant promises no future destruction by flood.
• Tower of Babel: Explores sin of pride and ambition on a national scale; reflects the consequences of humanity's desire for independence from God.

Additional Noteworthy Points

• Symbolism of Numbers: The number 40 often signifies a trial; long life in Noah's time indicates divine blessing.
• Adam and Eve's Innocence: Their nakedness without shame symbolizes harmony and intimacy with creation.

Creation of Genesis Text

• Writing of Genesis: Compiled during the Babylonian Exile around 587 B.C., encapsulating theological reflections on early humanity.

Overall Implications

• Spread of Sin: The myths collectively illustrate how sin permeates relationships — within families, societies, and nations.

This study guide captures the core concepts and details, aiding in the understanding of Genesis and its theological implications.