A Process Theological Interpretation of the Primeval History in Genesis 2–11

Abstract

Genesis 2–11, or the primeval history of the Yahwist tradition, has been assessed theologically in several ways by biblical commentators over the years. The author suggests that this portion of the biblical text may be analyzed from the perspective of a process theological hermeneutic to gain new insights. In particular, one may observe the progressive involvement of Yahweh in the creative activity of establishing a world order, which is not always perfect in its developmental advance. Such a portrayal reflects not an omnipotent deity of classical theology, but rather a personal deity deeply related to the on-going creative processes of this world. Such perceptions of God dovetail well with the assumptions of process theology.

Genesis 1: Where Babylon and Greece Meet

“…Adequate summary of the extensive literature in this area cannot be undertaken in this short essay. I have addressed the relationship of Genesis 1 and the Enuma Elish in greater detail elsewhere ( [1], p. 1-31).…”

“…Genesis 1 and Hesiod describe the origin of the cosmos, speaking of a primordial "void" or "chaos," creation of light and darkness, and creation of the sky and the earth below it with the ocean. Hesiod may have been familiar with ancient Near Eastern accounts of creation, as is true for the biblical account in Genesis 1 ( [16], p. 36; [18], p. 8-9; [22], p. 41-42; [19], p. 15; [1], p. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]. Nevertheless, comparison of Hesiod's Theogony with Genesis 1 indicates that biblical author knew Hesiod's work in addition to the Near Eastern materials.…”