romishpopishorganist
Well-known member
Catholics do not see Genesis 1 as a literal play by play scientific description of the creation of the world. We see it as an inspired book depicting deeper truths using a literary framework.I'll keep it simple to start with the ball in the court of the Bible critic. One misconception of many they have is that the Bible says the heavens and earth were created in 6 literal days (144 hours) followed by a literal day of rest, is this correct? Let's begin to explore that by asking them to explain why they think that is the case.
Catholics for that matter do not see Genesis 2 as a literal play by play scientific description of the fall of man either. Though we believe that Adam and Eve (our first parents) are historical beings. We also believe that the book narrates a historical fact using mythological literary devices to explain it. For example, the talking serpent is clearly a reference to Satan who tempted them. Adam and Eve hiding from God--and God asking them "Where are you" a reference to how sin damages our relationship with God and each other. God did not ask Adam and Eve where they were--becasue he didn't know where they were.
The point is that Catholics believe Genesis 1 and 2 narrates deep spiritual truths--not necessarily literal scientific history.