The modern interpretation of the creation narratives in the Hebrew Bible (Genesis 1:1-2:4a and Genesis 2:4a-25) since the European Enlightenment has been funded by thinking of Francis Bacon and John Locke. This governing hermeneutic (i.e. interpretive principle, or interpretive lens) makes sense of these narratives through the idea of Human Exceptionalism. Because of this, Christians (and Western Europeans in general) have historically grossly misunderstood, and so have misappropriated the biblical texts to justify the use and abuse of nature, natural resources, flora and fauna.
Alternatively, the modern consensus of Biblical Scholars who study these ancient texts, recognize how Christianity has - by and large - missed the mark when it comes to understanding how to both read and appropriate these narratives well.
The purpose of this reading assignment is to disclose to the reader the roots of the western idea of Human Exceptionalism and to familiarize the reader with the two creation narratives found in both the Hebrew Bible and the Christian "Old Testament." Familiarity with these texts will prepare the reader for class on February 13, 2024, when the aim of class discussion will be to come to some understanding of what the original authors most likely intended their original audience to think when these narratives were first heard a/o recited aloud sometime(s) between the years 900 - 539 BCE.
If you have any questions about this assignment or any questions about the reading, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Daniels directly via email (danielsj@flagler.edu) or face to face at the Proctor Library.
