Genesis Argumentative Analysis

The book of genesis creates an elaborate narrative about how the universe was created, while science approaches the creation of the universe in an evidence-based manner. The narrative set forth in the book of genesis does not correspond with what science presents, hence catalyzing the feud between creationism versus evolution. However, it is not accurate to claim one or the other as factual. The book of genesis, simply put, is the word of God. In contrast, our scientific knowledge is based on theories. The dilemma here is that science cannot disprove the word of God and our theories, although falsifiable, have persevered. Thus, we can either chose to believe that the universe was created by a higher power or by an explosion in the cosmos billions
of years ago. Nevertheless, we must acknowledge that science and its efforts are supported by an overwhelming amount of evidence, whereas the book of genesis is essentially hearsay since it is solely based on God’s account. Most notably, Charles Darwin challenged the idea of creationism in his work “On the Origin of Species.” Although not the first to introduce the idea of evolution, Darwin was the first to successfully provide substantial evidence. Darwin observed that speciation occurred over long periods of time due to environmental and genetic factors alike. This process is what can be described as evolution. Moreover, in his text Darwin asserts that, “If it could be demonstrated that any complex organ existed, which could not possibly have been formed by numerous, successive, slight modifications, my theory would absolutely break down. But I can find no such case.” This claim is significant because, contrary to the book of genesis, Darwin is claiming that organisms are a result of prior generations of less complicated life. He also humbly admits that his theory would fall apart if even a single case proved otherwise, but even to this day his theory remains. Nonetheless, some might argue that the Book of Genesis can be used to disprove Darwin’s theory. However, it is important to remember that the book of genesis cannot provide any evidence to falsify Darwin’s theory. However, Darwin’s studies can be used to argue against creationism in the book of genesis. Science will always favor whichever scenario is most strongly supported by empirical evidence. In contrast, the book of genesis does not support the theory of evolution.
Instead it claims that all organisms were created as their own species from the beginning. In brief, the book of genesis tells the story of how God created the universe in six days. No matter how unfathomable this may be to the scientific mind, it is a well-known point that the bible is the word of God and God is never wrong. Given this information, it is not reasonable for us to consider the book of genesis as truth, since it lacks empirical evidence. Even if God is never wrong there is no evidence to prove God’s existence and role on the creation of the universe. Now, I am not claiming that the book of genesis is wrong. Since we are presented with two creation stories, one significantly supported by empirical evidence and the other supported by the divine word of God, the creation story supported by empirical evidence is more promising. However, depending on your values and faith in God you may determine that the book of genesis is more
convincing. For instance, in his text, What Came Before the Big Bang, Lightman reports scientists’ viewpoints on the creation of the universe. In the text, Page, a quantum cosmologist, claims, “As a Christian, I think there is a being outside the universe that created the universe and caused all things. God is the true creator. All of the universe is caused by God.” Despite being a quantum cosmologist Page affirms that God is the creator of everything. His viewpoint is significant because it demonstrates how it is possible to acknowledge scientific theories yet still believe that God created the universe. Although Page believes that God created the universe, he does not mention how God might have gone about the process. In other words, it is unlikely Page supports the narrative of creation in the book of genesis Let us examine the book of genesis in relation to the theory of evolution.
The most controversial aspect in both is about how humans came to life. Was it because they were created after the image of God or because they evolved from primates? Like any other journey for the truth, we must approach this question with skepticism. Unfortunately, the Bible does not provide sufficient empirical evidence to compare it to the theory of evolution. If we assume that the book of genesis is the absolute truth, then that would make most of our scientific knowledge meaningless since a lot of it contradicts what is said in the Bible. Instead of examining the Bible literally and using it against science, we should interpret the Bible metaphorically to let us guide our
endeavors. Galileo explained it well in his Letter to the Grand Duchess in which he said, “nothing physical which sense-experience sets before out eyes, or which necessary demonstrations prove to us, ought to be called into question (much less condemned) upon the testimony of Biblical passages which may have some different meaning beneath their words.” In his statement, Galileo makes the point that the Bible should not be used to disapprove of evidence based claims. He also adds that the Bible may have symbolic meaning. It is important to note that intellectuals like Galileo urged that we reason with logic rather than scriptures which are open to interpretation. However, using the book of genesis to argue against science benefits our understanding of the creation of the universe. Not only does it gives us multiple perspectives about the nature of life, but it pressures scientist to expand their studies. By expanding their studies, scientists can either gain further knowledge about the creation of the universe or they can acquire evidence that can lead to a new theory.