Genesis 1 - 11

[Melody]

I have heard that the first 11 chapters of Genesis are not to be taken as strict fact, but rather as a way to understanding the early history of the world. I can agree with this to an extent - after all it was written by people who understood God's Word to them as per their limited knowledge of that time (hence the earth had four corners).

But does that mean everything in the first 11 chapters are not to be taken as fact? So the story of Adam & Eve is actually only a story of how not to disobey God? And was there really a tower of Babel? or did Noah exist & did he have an ark?

Does anyone know the official Catholic perspective on this?

Thanks in advance!

Blessings,

Melody

[trmichels]

Melody,

If you read the "Introduction to the Pentateuch" in The New Jerusalem Bible, you will probably get the notion that Genesis Chapters 1-11 are not to be taken literally, because they were derived from 5 different sources, and from different eras.

However, after years of research on the historical, geographical, ethnic and linguistic aspects of these Chapters, I have to say they are remarkably correct in many instances, especially in light of the fact that they were passed on by oral tradition for many years before being committed to a written form.

They should be used as a teaching tool, because the moral of the story is part of the plan, parcel and morality of Christianity.

If you have not read my comments on Genesis on the "Christian Witness" page on my site at www.TRMichels.com, you should do so. I think you will find it enlightening, and inspiring.

I can find no other explanation of the truth of the historical, geographical, ethnic and linguistic facets of Genesis 1-11, than it was inspired by Yahweh Sabaoth himself, while still allowing the "authors/writers" to use their own mode of story telling, oral tradition and authorship.  

God bless, and keep up the good work, I love you my sister,

T.R.