I hear so often that there are no contradictions in the Bible but we get a huge one in the very first book of Genesis:

Genesis 1 and 2 contradict each other on the fundamental nature of God: Is he perfect or does he make mistakes?

In Genesis 1 we see God create and everything he creates is good. Gets it right the first time, no notes. Makes animals and then humans and he sees that it's all very good.

But in Genesis 2 we see that god creates...but he sees that it is NOT good that Adam is alone and so he creates animals for him to find a companion...but this doesn't work either and so he creates a woman to be a companion

So which is it?
Did God make everything how he wanted it the first time or did he need to tweak his creation to get it right?

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peterlee · M

God’s creation is good and reflects His glory. We give thanks for it, and enjoy it. See perhaps 1Cor 10,25-26; 1Tim 4.4-5).

But, evil has entered it, defeated at the Cross of Jesus, but still around. You need only look at the plight of those in the Gaza Strip. Those who are terminal ill. Or consumerism.

It will be transformed at Our Lord’s return. ( Read 1John I with a good commentary perhaps: Tom Wright, especially 1John 2.15 -29).

The theological writers and editors of Genesis grapple with this after the return of the people after their exile from Babylon.
More ancient reflections on creation can be found in the Psalms.

I find it is better to look at creation through the lens of the writers of The New Testament, after the resurrection of God’s Son, our Saviour.

Pikachu

@peterlee

Hey sorry for the misunderstanding but this wasn't an invitation to preach, it was an invitation to discussion.

How do you account for the difference between Genesis 1 and 2?

peterlee · M

@Pikachu Different strains of understanding brought back to Israel after the cruel exile.

Remember, the writers were developing their thought, inspired by God, in a flat Earth paradigm. I use that quite a lot. I think the Sun rises in the East and falls in the West quite easily.

I’m more concerned about people dismissing God, trying to deny him in a Classical Physics or Newtonian Physics World, which we all tend to use quite freely.

Assuming you have a degree in theoretical Physics , you begin to understand the present paradigm of Quantum Electrodynamics tempered by the General Theory of Relativity. But that is not of much use here.

The Genesis passages neatly give us an understanding that Creation is good, but there has been a fall.

If you want to know more about Christianity, why not join an Alpha Course, they are extremely good. Or visit a local Baptist church, they are sure to welcome you there.

Pikachu

@peterlee

The Genesis passages neatly give us an understanding that Creation is good, but there has been a fall.

Nope, that's not the issue here. We're not talking about the fall of the created, we're talking about whether or not the act of creation was done by an infallible being.

So why do you think according to Genesis 1 God created man and saw that it was very good but according to Genesis 2 God created Adam and saw that it was NOT good that Adam should be alone, try to give him companionship via animals, see that, THAT was no good and then finally make woman?

peterlee · M

@Pikachu I agree I seem not to be making any sense to you.

I wish you well in the future, and hope you find what you are searching for.

Thank you for being kind enough to listen to me.

Pikachu

@peterlee

Just miscommunication i guess.
Have a nice day✌