Scaredycrow wrote:
That's a pretty far jump considering all the creation stories/Gods that exist. Why Jesus Christ? Because that's what he was raised to believe? He offers an explanation, but even so, I don't think it excludes Islam or Judaism. Besides, using literal quotes from the old testament - while his entire book is based upon the fact that it mustn't be taken literally - doesn't really line up.
The problem with literal interpretation is the differences between English and Hebrew - one being the most noun-enriched language, the other being the poorest. Because of this, taking the bible literally is a huge debate even among the religious.
"Augustine & other Church Fathers: “Day” in Genesis is a long period of time
If you read the early fathers of the church, the vast majority of them adopted the view that these days of creation were long time periods, not 24-hour periods.
Why King James? The English language is the largest vocabulary language that man has ever invented. The Hebrew language, by contrast, is one of the most noun poor languages that man has ever invented.
English vs. Hebrew
So, the English reader has a difficult time appreciating that in the Hebrew Old Testament, there are very few words to describe periods of time. The Hebrew word Yom, for “day long” can mean 12 hours, 24 hours or a long time period. You have to examine the context, to determine which of the three definitions to use.
Incidentally, we have the same problem with the word “heaven”, for which the Hebrew language has three different definitions. In Genesis One, you have to examine the context in order to determine which heaven is being used in which place. That’s why Paul referred to the third heaven. So you’d know which one he was talking about."