Journal: Grace Journal
Volume: GJ 14:1 (Winter 1973)
Article: Non-Literal Interpretations of Genesis Creation
Author: Marvin L. Goodman

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Non-Literal Interpretations of Genesis Creation

Marvin L. Goodman

Missionary, Central African Republic

During this writer’s university days, many hours were spent in discussion with aspiring young scientists already fully indoctrinated with the theory of evolution. Since that time, the creation account of Genesis has been one of his particular fields of interest. At this present time, the literal interpretation of the Creation account is under what seems to be the most intensive attack since the Renaissance, both by science and by liberal theological scholarship. There seems to be hope that simply through the sheer weight of intellectual prestige, the literal interpretation of Genesis one and two may be swept aside once and for all. To that end, those all too few scholars who take an effective positive stance for the literal account are subjected to constant attack by scornful and derisive rhetoric.

The most disturbing aspect about the present controversy is not the intensity of the attacks of agnostic science and liberal theology, but rather the increasing tendency of those who call themselves evangelical and orthodox to join the ranks of the enemy. One evangelical lays the blame for the repudiation of the Scriptures by science at the feet of “a narrow evangelical Biblicism, and the Plymouth Brethren theology.”1 Again, he strikes out at the defenders of a literal Bible interpretation by saying in reference to them, “there is no legitimate place for small minds, petty souls, and studied ignorance.”2 This type of attack is to be expected from unbelief, but is it really warranted from a Christian brother? Certainly, we may have disagreements about interpretations of Scripture, but should we employ name calling and derision to help put across our viewpoint?

What should be the attitude of a believer in a literal Bible interpretation toward “brethren” who are diverging from such an interpretation in the areas mentioned in this paper? Obviously, there are differing interpretations of the Genesis creation account among those who believe in a literal interpretation. Although the writer holds to the interpretation of a literal six day creation, and with no great time interval between the first two verses, yet he is willing to respect those who hold solidly

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to verbally inspired inerrant Word and nevertheless take another interpretation within the literal framework. The question arises over the attitude towards those within the orthodox camp who advocate a nonliteral interpretation.

Many references are made in this paper to “science.” In most pla...