The idea of Genesis being metaphorical goes back to AT LEAST St. Augustine of Hippo (as he's the first Christian writer I know who discussed the symbolism of the passage, but there may also be Jewish writers who came earlier).
I don't know about "staged creation" but it's always been obvious that the 2 creation stories in Genesis cannot be eyewitness accounts just by definition.
I guess what I am saying is that its not at all new. Biblical literalism is, if anything, the newer of the two approaches.
I don't know about "staged creation" but it's always been obvious that the 2 creation stories in Genesis cannot be eyewitness accounts just by definition.
I guess what I am saying is that its not at all new. Biblical literalism is, if anything, the newer of the two approaches.
Mary Immaculate, star of the morning
Chosen before the creation began
Chosen to bring for your bridal adorning
Woe to the serpent and rescue to man.
Sinners, we honor your sinless perfection;
Fallen and weak, for your pity we plead;
Grand us the shield of your sovereign protection,
Measure your aid by the depth of our need.
Bend from your throne at the voice of our crying,
Bend to this earth which your footsteps have trod;
Stretch out your arms to us, living and dying,
Mary Immaculate, Mother of God.
Chosen before the creation began
Chosen to bring for your bridal adorning
Woe to the serpent and rescue to man.
Sinners, we honor your sinless perfection;
Fallen and weak, for your pity we plead;
Grand us the shield of your sovereign protection,
Measure your aid by the depth of our need.
Bend from your throne at the voice of our crying,
Bend to this earth which your footsteps have trod;
Stretch out your arms to us, living and dying,
Mary Immaculate, Mother of God.
