In
our "modern" way of thought, if a statement or story is not
a historical fact, it is deemed to be a lie. This is a relatively
new assumption. Most "mature" cultures of the past had
many layers of truth. In Judaism the universal truths, the questions
and answers common to all people were passed on, first verbally and
then written in story form. These stories were MORE than historical;
they were understood to encompass ALL history and all future as well.
To be remembered and available, the stories were often humorous and
dramatic, placed in settings that were familiar and traditional.
They invited the listeners into the action, were educating and
edifying through participation and inclusion. In our culture we are
usually condemned to the tedium of boring essays when we attempt to
pass on such deep meanings. Not so with the ancients. They knew the
value of a good story.
In the Jewish
Scripture, these important stories, timeless and
true,
are placed, naturally, in the first scroll, in Genesis (the
beginning) and take up what we have numbered as the first eleven
chapters. In chapter twelve historical stories which deal with real
experiences start with the traditions involving Abraham.
Fewer texts in the Bible have been more abused, ignored and maligned
than
these
ancient stories that are literally "bigger than life" and
deal with the universal questions that we all have about life.
Simplistic and uninformed Gentiles (mostly Christians) use these
texts in a patently unbiblical and limited way in order to prove the
untenable, for instance, that our Earth is some 6000 or so years
young. To their way of thought (or lack of), believing these True
stories to be mere historical fact is somehow demonstrative of
Belief, what-ever that is. To them, to believe something contrary to
the truth is somehow proof of higher spirituality to, being closer
to their god, as if God didn't give us brains to use.
So
let us use our brains. These are Jewish stories, written by and for
Jews. Why not ask them what they mean? Do you have questions like,
What is God? Why are people here? What is the relationship regarding
us, the earth and God? What is most important in life? If you are
curious about any of those eternal things, Genesis 1-11 is for you.
But don't you dare read it like a newspaper! Enter into the stories
like you would a script of a play.
Before we begin, a little
bit of background about those ancient times and places will help us
on the journey. Come, on and join in. You'll be surprised!
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