Going through Genesis (previously posted section). 'New' below*.
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Genesis 1 is a summary. In just one page, a flawless overview of 13.79 B. years of natural history was written some 3 tya that miraculously describes the sequential steps (which perfectly align with the scientific record) by which Earth became ready for human habitation. Genesis 2 like all other references adds details to the summary. Gen 2, in particular, gives a spiritual perspective on creation; thus, it begins to elaborate on the ‘purpose’ of creation.
Gen 1:1 to 1:2 is 9 1/2 billion years; nothing explicitly biblical is stated. For correct interpretation, the point of reference changes from above to the Earth's surface looking up, with verse 2.
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*New: Creation Day 1 (biblically in this context, "a long but finite period of time").
Commences with: Genesis 1:2. “Let there be light” is when the visible light of the Sun, Moon, and stars first appears on Earth’s surface. The date for transforming Earth’s atmosphere from opaque to translucent is around 4 bya.
The atmosphere remained overcast (much like on a rainy day), but light could finally reach the planet's surface. Therefore, the celestial lights would not yet be visible at the surface of the Earth. Again, the point of view for the six creation days is that of an observer on Earth’s surface.
And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.
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Genesis 1 is a summary. In just one page, a flawless overview of 13.79 B. years of natural history was written some 3 tya that miraculously describes the sequential steps (which perfectly align with the scientific record) by which Earth became ready for human habitation. Genesis 2 like all other references adds details to the summary. Gen 2, in particular, gives a spiritual perspective on creation; thus, it begins to elaborate on the ‘purpose’ of creation.
Gen 1:1 to 1:2 is 9 1/2 billion years; nothing explicitly biblical is stated. For correct interpretation, the point of reference changes from above to the Earth's surface looking up, with verse 2.
=======================================
*New: Creation Day 1 (biblically in this context, "a long but finite period of time").
Commences with: Genesis 1:2. “Let there be light” is when the visible light of the Sun, Moon, and stars first appears on Earth’s surface. The date for transforming Earth’s atmosphere from opaque to translucent is around 4 bya.
The atmosphere remained overcast (much like on a rainy day), but light could finally reach the planet's surface. Therefore, the celestial lights would not yet be visible at the surface of the Earth. Again, the point of view for the six creation days is that of an observer on Earth’s surface.
And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.
Atheist Credo: An universe by chance that also just happened to admit the observer by chance.
