KingofHazor said:
FTACo88-FDT24dad said:
The Book of Genesis is a complex work that combines various types of literary genres. Chapters 1-2 present the creation of the world, humanity, and the universe. These chapters are theological and symbolic narratives, not scientific accounts, expressing profound truths about God as Creator and the relationship between God and creation. Chapters 1-11 contain stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, the Flood, and the Tower of Babel. These narratives address universal questions about humanity, sin, and God's relationship with the world, using symbolic and mythic elements to convey theological truths.
Starting with Genesis 12, the text shifts to the stories of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. These narratives are more historical in character, detailing God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants. They contain genealogies, family stories, and accounts of personal encounters with God, illustrating the unfolding of God's plan of salvation.
Throughout Genesis, there are elements of theological reflection, emphasizing God's covenant promises and the faithfulness of God despite human unfaithfulness.
So Genesis contains a variety of literary genres - mythic, symbolic, historical narrative, and theological- each of which convey theological truths and reveal God's relationship with humanity.
We don't have to believe in an actual talking snake in order to receive the word of God from Genesis.
When did theologians first propose this view of Genesis 1-11 and why did they do so?
I think a better way to frame your question is how did the original author (presumably Moses) and the original audience understand it? If we start with how the Jewish community understands the literary tradition in the Book of Genesis that might be informative. While it's not monolithic, most Jewish traditions interpret it through lenses of religious and theological insight, such as the plain meaning (p'shat), allegorical or symbolic interpretations, and deeper mystical insights. The idea is that Scripture speaks on many levels, each offering valuable lessons.
The Midrashic Interpretation fills in narrative gaps, and draws out ethical and theological lessons. This enriches the understanding of Genesis by adding interpretative stories and commentary that convey deeper truths, a bit like a Genesis handbook.
Many Jews also see Genesis as establishing foundational themes central to Jewish identity, such as the covenant, faith, and the relationship between God and humanity. The patriarchal stories that come up after the first two chapters highlight faith, moral struggles, and divine promise, serving as archetypes for Jewish identity and faith. I don't think Jews think there was a talking snake in the Garden. I think they would find that belief as strange to Genesis.
Of course there are also the moral and ethical lessons that communicate principles for living. Christians and Jews cite the stories as examples of virtue, faith, and human fallibility.
Finally, there is the covenantal theology that is central in Genesis, especially in the stories of Abraham and his descendants. The covenants established are seen as pivotal for understanding the special relationship between God and the Jewish people, with ongoing relevance and impact throughout Jewish history. They also are the precursors to the new and everlasting covenant that Jesus would establish at the Last Supper and seal by his death and resurrection.
