@
4meAndyou Thanks for replying. Just a few points.
There is a diversity of opinion regarding the creation stories. The main point of it is that God created the entire universe, including the sun, moon and stars which were often objects of worship. It doesn't have to be a literal six day creation.
Genesis itself gives an explanation for why people don't live to be as old as depicted in Genesis. God is said to have shortened their lifespan following the flood (Genesis 6:3). I can't prove that people lived longer in the past, but it often overlooked that Bible does address the subject, at least partially.
Paul doesn't advocate a celibate priesthood. In fact he says that a church leader should be the husband of one wife (1 Timothy 3:2). 1 Corinthians 7:8-9 is not even talking about church leaders, so how anyone can get celibate priests from that is a bit beyond me. Besides, there is an historical context to this passage. The New Testament scholar Bruce Winter has argued that Paul is addressing a specific situation faced by that particular church at that particular time: there was a food shortage. That is the "present crisis" Paul refers to in verse 26. It wouldn't be a good idea to have children in those circumstances, so remaining single might be seen as preferable.
I think it is better to look for the principle behind Biblical commands and statements, rather than using it like a computer manual.
