Genesis: is it to be taken literally?

Cromwell, your chronology is exactly as presented in the literature of Jehovah's Witnesses. I have studied the chronology very carefully and think it's correct. You mention two pivotal dates. I don't think your evolutionary audience understands that concept. An pivotal date is when the date presented biblically matches known history. Your chronology worked off these two dates.One such date, harmonizing with both Biblical and secular history, is the year 29 C.E., the early months of which were in the 15th year of Tiberius Caesar, who was named emperor by the Roman Senate on September 15, 14 C.E. (Gregorian calendar). It was in the year 29 C.E. that John the Baptizer began his preaching and also when, perhaps about six months later, he baptized Jesus.-Lu 3:1-3, 21, 23; 1:36.The following is a quote from INSIGHT INTO THE SCRIPTURES, VOLUME 1 PUBLISHED BY THE WATCHTOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETYAnother date that can be used as a pivotal point is the year 539 B.C.E., supported by various historical sources as the year for the overthrow of Babylon by Cyrus the Persian. (Secular sources for Cyrus' reign include Diodorus, Africanus, Eusebius, and Ptolemy, as well as the Babylonian tablets.) During Cyrus' first year his decree releasing the Jews from exile was given. And, as considered in the article on CYRUS, it is very probable that the decree was made by the winter of 538 B.C.E. or toward the spring of 537 B.C.E. This would permit the Jews time to make necessary preparations, effect the four-month journey to Jerusalem, and still arrive there by the seventh month (Tishri, or about October 1) of 537 B.C.E.-Ezr 1:1-11; 2:64-70; 3:1.In fact, your source seems to be the same because every other chronology I've investigated seems slightly different, divergent by about 20 years.

AdminSylus, post 66 (I believe) by rocket has gone beyond call and is very offensive. I appeal to your Admin capacity for correction.rickrose

Yet Jesus verified the Gen accoutn:Mathew ch 193 And Pharisees came up to him, intent on tempting him and saying: "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife on every sort of ground?" 4 In reply he said: "Did YOU not read that he who created them from [the] beginning made them male and female I took the liberty of making the main point bold.rickrose

AdminSylus, post 67, born2preach is just as offensive. No need for these types of comments on forum, at least if administration wants to keep it dignified.thank you, rickroserickrose

The same can be said for what is true and what you believe to be true. As an example, you present yourself with a cross and make derogatory statements toward those claiming to be Christians. Your mockery is easily understood. Nevertheless, it's not offensive because Jesus died on a stake, not a cross. You are as knowledgeable as those you mock.No further debate on the subject. Sharpen your pencil elsewhere.

Jesus was quoting the Gen account when he said :"Did YOU not read that he who created them from [the] beginning made them male and female."This message has been edited by Rick Rose, 05-13-2004 02:53 PM

Reply to point you made in message 4 of this thread.

Simply this: If one believes the words of Jesus, and Jesus quotes the Gen account authoritatively to teach that divorce should not be frivolous, then one would suppose Jesus believed that Gen was literal.3 And Pharisees came up to him, intent on tempting him and saying: "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife on every sort of ground?" 4 In reply he said: "Did YOU not read that he who created them from [the] beginning made them male and female 5 and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and his mother and will stick to his wife, and the two will be one flesh'?Hardly a citation Jesus would make If he thoutht the account was allagorical. And he would have to suppose that his audience credited it hostorically.rickrose

It would be good to see people of science and religion set ethical standards instead of follow them. Nevertheless, thanks for the consideration.rickrose

We are having our C.O. visit now. Our D.C. is in July. My cousin lives in Rome and he will play Luke in the drama.rickrose

An interesting topic on another thread: Where Does It Say In the Bible That The Universe Is Only Six Thousand Years Old? I Don't see you there.rickrose

Rod, If you want to email me, I'm at tymepassenger@hotmail.com