"Grace is everywhere as an active orientation "Grace is everywhere as an active orientation of all created reality toward God.” –Karl of all created reality toward God.” –Karl RahnerRahner

Christian OT inherited 4-part Bible of diaspora Judaism (Pentateuch, Historical Books, Wisdom Literature, and Prophets (4 major and 12 minor), interpretingit as a single narrative, i.e., Genesis the beginning , the Historical Books continuing it, and the Prophets foretelling the Final Age. In Tanakh, prophets “forthtell”the Torah’s demands, whereas in OT prophets “foretell” the New Age. “Tanakh” and “OT” thus imply profoundly different understandings of the Bible.

Catholics and many Protestant churches reject “supersessionism,” i.e., ChristianChurch as New Israel has replaced and displaced Israel. Pope JPII spoke of “the covenant never revoked” in Mainz in the 1980s. In 2001, PBC wrote The Jewish People and their Scripture in the Christian Bible: “Christians can and ought toadmit that the Jewish reading of the Bible is a possible one, in continuity with theJewish Sacred Scriptures from the Second Temple period, a reading analogous tothe Christian reading which developed in parallel fashion. Both readings arebound up with the vision of their respective faiths, of which the readings are the result and expression. Consequently, both are irreducible.” (# 22)”

Christian understanding of Hebrew Christian understanding of Hebrew Scriptures. SupersessionismScriptures. Supersessionism

PentateuchPentateuchPentateuch: Greek for “five books,” Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Sources: usually four sources: J (after word for God [Yahweh] in its German spelling Jahweh), E (after the designation Elohim for God); P (Priestly, archival, liturgical, and narrative material); and D (Deuteronomy). Dates and mutual relationships are currently debated, the following is accepted by many: pre-exilic traditions J-E (pre-exilic, pre-6C) and P were edited and published in the 5th century for an exilic population to explain the exile and offer hope of return and restoration.

Plot: Creation, fault, flood, new creation, migration of the nations to their assigned lands (Gen 1-11), call of Abraham’s family and its three generations (Gen 12-50), enslavement in Egypt and liberation (Exod 1-15), journey to Sinai, covenant with Yhwh and Torah (Exod 19-Numbers 10), resumption of journey to Promised Land (Num 10-36), four speeches of Moses to Israel poised for conquest (Deuteronomy).

Genre of Genesis 1-11: Creation, Genre of Genesis 1-11: Creation, Flood, New Creation Flood, New Creation as a narrative as a narrative template.template.

AtrahasisAtrahasis No humans; lesser gods did menial No humans; lesser gods did menial

work for higher gods.work for higher gods. Lesser gods refuse to serve. Ea, god of Lesser gods refuse to serve. Ea, god of

wisdom, CREATES human substitutes wisdom, CREATES human substitutes from clay and the blood of the chief from clay and the blood of the chief rebel god.rebel god.

After 1200 years, land “bellowed like a After 1200 years, land “bellowed like a bull,” noise from over-population bull,” noise from over-population (FAULT), provoking angry gods to send (FAULT), provoking angry gods to send an annihilating FLOOD. an annihilating FLOOD.

Ea tips off his favorite Atrahasis, who Ea tips off his favorite Atrahasis, who builds a boat for his family and builds a boat for his family and survives.survives.

Without servants, the gods languish, Without servants, the gods languish, and regret their hasty action.and regret their hasty action.

Recognizing they cannot live without Recognizing they cannot live without their human servants, they allow Ea their human servants, they allow Ea and the mother goddess to NEWLY and the mother goddess to NEWLY CREATE a revised race, this time with CREATE a revised race, this time with population-limiting features such as population-limiting features such as celibate women, childhood diseases, celibate women, childhood diseases, and death, in the sense of life span. and death, in the sense of life span. (Previously, even a god might be killed, (Previously, even a god might be killed, but humans were not mortal, i.e., did but humans were not mortal, i.e., did not have a life span.not have a life span.

Genesis 1-11Genesis 1-11 God CREATES “heaven and earth” = our God CREATES “heaven and earth” = our

universe, including human race. Reason universe, including human race. Reason not given.not given.

man and the woman disobey God’s man and the woman disobey God’s command not to eat of Tree of Knowledge command not to eat of Tree of Knowledge and are expelled from Garden of Eden. and are expelled from Garden of Eden. FAULT. Further instances of human FAULT. Further instances of human rebellion (ch. 4; 6:1-13).rebellion (ch. 4; 6:1-13).

God commands Noah to build an ark for God commands Noah to build an ark for his family and for animal species.his family and for animal species.

FLOOD (Gen 6:5-8:19).FLOOD (Gen 6:5-8:19). NEW CREATION God re-affirms to Noah NEW CREATION God re-affirms to Noah

the original charge of Gen 1 to increase the original charge of Gen 1 to increase and multiply. Compare the revision of and multiply. Compare the revision of human capacities in Atrahasis). human capacities in Atrahasis).

[No real parallels in Atrahasis for Gen 10-[No real parallels in Atrahasis for Gen 10-11, the Table of Nations and their 11, the Table of Nations and their migrating to their assigned territories, migrating to their assigned territories, and the City with a tower in it (11:1-9)].and the City with a tower in it (11:1-9)].

Creation in Bible & ANE versus modern Creation in Bible & ANE versus modern concept:concept:

ProcessProcess: : ancient: ancient: model is human making or model is human making or natural process; absolutely no sense of natural process; absolutely no sense of evolution (things go from simple to complex); evolution (things go from simple to complex); modern: modern: impersonal interaction of physical impersonal interaction of physical forces over eons and assumption of evolution.forces over eons and assumption of evolution.

Product: Product: ancient: ancient: human society organized human society organized for service of the gods; for service of the gods; modern: modern: physical physical universe, treats life only in its most primitive universe, treats life only in its most primitive sense; culture and community do not come sense; culture and community do not come into consideration.into consideration.

Creation in ANE and Creation in ANE and BibleBible

Outline of Genesis 1:1-2:3Outline of Genesis 1:1-2:3

Vestiges of ancient Vestiges of ancient motifsmotifs (immortality and wisdom separate gods from (immortality and wisdom separate gods from humans) and humans) and imagesimages, e.g., Gilgamesh, naked hero sees life-enhancing plant , e.g., Gilgamesh, naked hero sees life-enhancing plant stolen by snake (Gilgamesh, Tablet XI)stolen by snake (Gilgamesh, Tablet XI)

Two before and after scenarios. Two before and after scenarios. (1) (1) agricultural: Beforeagricultural: Before the sin, agriculture consisted in tending a vast the sin, agriculture consisted in tending a vast

garden irrigated by stream from the Deep and branching out in four great garden irrigated by stream from the Deep and branching out in four great rivers to fertilize the earth. rivers to fertilize the earth. AfterAfter the sin, couple expelled into a new the sin, couple expelled into a new system–tilling the soil dependent on uncertain rain. The soil had been there system–tilling the soil dependent on uncertain rain. The soil had been there from the beginning, of course, but it was dormant, for “there was no man from the beginning, of course, but it was dormant, for “there was no man to till the soil” (Gen 2:5). to till the soil” (Gen 2:5).

(2) (2) “anthropological: Before“anthropological: Before the sin, the man and the woman enjoyed full the sin, the man and the woman enjoyed full life and knowledge by being in the presence of the living and wise God. life and knowledge by being in the presence of the living and wise God. Though not inherently immortal or pre-eminently wise like heavenly, such Though not inherently immortal or pre-eminently wise like heavenly, such “limits” did not matter as long as they were in “limits” did not matter as long as they were in God’sGod’s garden. God’s garden. God’s prohibition against eating of the tree of knowledge was meant to warn the prohibition against eating of the tree of knowledge was meant to warn the couple not to attempt to acquire wisdom and life from any other source. couple not to attempt to acquire wisdom and life from any other source. AfterAfter the sin, “death” in the sense of a limited life span was imposed on the sin, “death” in the sense of a limited life span was imposed on humans; as soon as a human was born, the clock of mortality would begin humans; as soon as a human was born, the clock of mortality would begin to tick.to tick.

Questions: Meaning of garden and its four rivers? Two trees or one, Lord Questions: Meaning of garden and its four rivers? Two trees or one, Lord God or Lord? Why did God forbid them to eat of the tree? Why did the God or Lord? Why did God forbid them to eat of the tree? Why did the snake speak to the woman rather than the man? Why did they not die? Was snake speak to the woman rather than the man? Why did they not die? Was the woman a temptress? Why were they naked and not ashamed? Why the woman a temptress? Why were they naked and not ashamed? Why those particular punishments?those particular punishments?

Genesis 2-3 J Account of Creation of Genesis 2-3 J Account of Creation of The Man and the WomanThe Man and the Woman

Gen 1. Day 6: “Man” as sexed (male and female) and grouped Gen 1. Day 6: “Man” as sexed (male and female) and grouped (family, clan, nation), not a monad. Hence, two defining (family, clan, nation), not a monad. Hence, two defining imperatives, “increase and multiply” (sexed) and “fill the earth imperatives, “increase and multiply” (sexed) and “fill the earth and subdue it” (referring to groups taking their territory. and subdue it” (referring to groups taking their territory. “Subdue” a proleptic reference to Israel’s violent taking of land “Subdue” a proleptic reference to Israel’s violent taking of land (cf. “subdue” in Josh 18:1). Keep in mind exiles’ questions: “Will (cf. “subdue” in Josh 18:1). Keep in mind exiles’ questions: “Will we survive as a people?” “Will we ever return to our land?”we survive as a people?” “Will we ever return to our land?”

Gen 1:26, 28; 5:1: “image” and “likeness” of heavenly beings/God Gen 1:26, 28; 5:1: “image” and “likeness” of heavenly beings/God is royal language: humans is royal language: humans represent represent God in their ruling over God in their ruling over domains of sky, earth, sea. Heb. domains of sky, earth, sea. Heb. radah, radah, “to rule, have dominion”) “to rule, have dominion”) vv. 26, 28, used of kings. vv. 26, 28, used of kings.

Church Fathers: in NT, only Paul cites “image” (apart from James Church Fathers: in NT, only Paul cites “image” (apart from James 3:9) in Col 3:10; 2 Cor 3:18, Rom 8:29. In OT, only in WisSol 2:23 3:9) in Col 3:10; 2 Cor 3:18, Rom 8:29. In OT, only in WisSol 2:23 and Sir 17:3. Fathers located “image” in the soul rather than the and Sir 17:3. Fathers located “image” in the soul rather than the body. They frequently distinguished “image” and “likeness,” body. They frequently distinguished “image” and “likeness,” “image” referring to natural gifts that cannot be lost, and “image” referring to natural gifts that cannot be lost, and “likeness” to supernatural gifts lost in Adam and restored “likeness” to supernatural gifts lost in Adam and restored through Christ. For many Fathers, “image” was identified with through Christ. For many Fathers, “image” was identified with reason (logos) or mind (nous). Christian debate especially during reason (logos) or mind (nous). Christian debate especially during Reformation about how seriously damaged was the “image” and Reformation about how seriously damaged was the “image” and “likeness” in humans. “likeness” in humans.

Further Reflections on Gen 1 and 2-3, Further Reflections on Gen 1 and 2-3, Part 1Part 1

• For many post-Reformation interpreters, e.g., J. Richard For many post-Reformation interpreters, e.g., J. Richard Middleton, “image” refers to humans’ Middleton, “image” refers to humans’ function function rather than rather than their their essence. essence. Humans represent God’s rule on earth in the Humans represent God’s rule on earth in the same way that a statute or stele represented a king’s rule same way that a statute or stele represented a king’s rule on earth.on earth.

• Gen 2-3. Best entry to this complex text: assume two Gen 2-3. Best entry to this complex text: assume two “before and after” scenarios“before and after” scenarios, agricultural and , agricultural and anthropological, i.e., what God intended for humans and anthropological, i.e., what God intended for humans and “how we live now.” Attend to ““how we live now.” Attend to “voice,voice,” i.e., who speaks? ” i.e., who speaks? What does he/she know? The great What does he/she know? The great distinction between distinction between humans and godhumans and gods was super-knowledge (with the capacity s was super-knowledge (with the capacity to act) and eternal life. Were the actors punished or were to act) and eternal life. Were the actors punished or were their fates simply decreedtheir fates simply decreed? ? Why does the man name his Why does the man name his wife twice (2:23 and 3:20)? wife twice (2:23 and 3:20)?

• Interpretation. Important in Christianity, but not in Interpretation. Important in Christianity, but not in Judaism, where the sin of the angels in Gen 6:1-4 played a Judaism, where the sin of the angels in Gen 6:1-4 played a major role. Paul probably the first interpreter to focus on major role. Paul probably the first interpreter to focus on Adam (Rom 5 and I Cor 15). Type and anti-type. Adam (Rom 5 and I Cor 15). Type and anti-type.

Further Reflections on Gen 1 and 2-3, Further Reflections on Gen 1 and 2-3, Part 1Part 1

• Genealogies. J: 4:17-26; P: 5:1-32; 11:10-26.Genealogies. J: 4:17-26; P: 5:1-32; 11:10-26.• Marriage of divine and human beings 6:1-4Marriage of divine and human beings 6:1-4• The Flood (6:5-9:17). ANE parallels. J and P versions The Flood (6:5-9:17). ANE parallels. J and P versions

integrated.integrated.• Noah and his sons (9:18-28)Noah and his sons (9:18-28)• Table of Nations and migration (or not) of the nations to Table of Nations and migration (or not) of the nations to

their lands (10:1-11:9)their lands (10:1-11:9)• Introduction of Abraham’s family. 12:1-9. V. 3: “All the Introduction of Abraham’s family. 12:1-9. V. 3: “All the

families of the earth will be blessed” or “”all the families of families of the earth will be blessed” or “”all the families of the earth shall bless themselves by you”?the earth shall bless themselves by you”?

Further Reflections on Gen 1 and 2-3, Further Reflections on Gen 1 and 2-3, Part 1Part 1

Sin of the angels 6:1-4Sin of the angels 6:1-4

6:1 When humans began to multiply on the 6:1 When humans began to multiply on the face of the ground, and daughters were born face of the ground, and daughters were born to them, 2 the sons of God saw that the to them, 2 the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were good; and took daughters of men were good; and took wives from among those that pleased them. wives from among those that pleased them. 3 Then the LORD said, “My spirit shall not 3 Then the LORD said, “My spirit shall not abide in man for ever, for he is flesh; let the abide in man for ever, for he is flesh; let the days allowed him be a hundred and twenty days allowed him be a hundred and twenty years.” 4 The Nephilim were on the earth in years.” 4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them. These men, and they bore children to them. These were the heroes that were of old, the men of were the heroes that were of old, the men of renown. renown.

When man began to increase over the face When man began to increase over the face of the earth and daughters were born to of the earth and daughters were born to them, 2/ the sons of God saw how them, 2/ the sons of God saw how desirable were the daughters of man, and desirable were the daughters of man, and took wives from those that pleased them. 3/ took wives from those that pleased them. 3/ And Yahweh said: “And Yahweh said: “My spirit shall not My spirit shall not endow man with strength for an unlimited endow man with strength for an unlimited life-spanlife-span. . Despite their [heavenly beings’] Despite their [heavenly beings’] transgression, he [man] is flesh, and his transgression, he [man] is flesh, and his life-span will be 120 years!” life-span will be 120 years!” 4/ The 4/ The Nephilim were on the earth at that time and Nephilim were on the earth at that time and also afterwards when the sons of God had also afterwards when the sons of God had relations with the daughters of man who relations with the daughters of man who bore them offspring. These were the heroes bore them offspring. These were the heroes of old, the men of renown.of old, the men of renown.

Atrahasis Epic, clay tablet and Atrahasis Epic, clay tablet and modern copy modern copy

In Mesopotamian literature and in Bible, Flood is In Mesopotamian literature and in Bible, Flood is the the divide between primeval and present reality. divide between primeval and present reality. Gen flood account is clearest instance of biblical Gen flood account is clearest instance of biblical borrowing from Mesopotamian lit. borrowing from Mesopotamian lit.

Before proper publication of Before proper publication of Atrahasis Atrahasis in 1968, in 1968, scholars treated the flood and creation as scholars treated the flood and creation as separate traditions. Nowadays, the flood is seen separate traditions. Nowadays, the flood is seen as an episode in the “creation-flood story, more as an episode in the “creation-flood story, more accurately, creation-fault-flood-new creation accurately, creation-fault-flood-new creation story. story.

The Flood. Prologue (6:5-The Flood. Prologue (6:5-8), Story (6:9-8:19), and 8), Story (6:9-8:19), and Epilogue (8:20-9:17)Epilogue (8:20-9:17)

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In correct count, 70 nations. Cf. the 70 sons of Jacob in Gen 46:27. Against In correct count, 70 nations. Cf. the 70 sons of Jacob in Gen 46:27. Against recent theories, differences between nations are based on language and recent theories, differences between nations are based on language and geography. All nations are descended from one couple, and then from the three geography. All nations are descended from one couple, and then from the three sons of Noah. All are kin.sons of Noah. All are kin.

The Table of Nations The Table of Nations according to Genesis according to Genesis 1010

References: References:

Clifford, R. S.J. (2013). Old Testament Narrative Clifford, R. S.J. (2013). Old Testament Narrative Introduction [PowerPoint presentation]. Chestnut Introduction [PowerPoint presentation]. Chestnut

Hill, MA.Hill, MA.