Genesis 1-11: Myth or History?
Prof. Engelsma defends the historical reliability of Genesis 1-11 against contemporary doubts arising from scientific materialism and higher criticism, arguing that faith in God as Creator is foundational to all Christian doctrine. He contends that treating Genesis 1-11 as mythological inevitably undermines confidence in other biblical narratives and ultimately threatens the entire Christian confession. This polemical essay addresses a critical controversy within Reformed and Presbyterian churches regarding the nature and authority of Scripture.
“l believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.” This is first in the Christian creed. It is very simple: the Christian knows God as Creator and, therefore, the truth about the origin of the world and himself by faith—by faith only. Implied is that this knowledge of God as Creator is derived from Scripture, especially from the outstanding revelation of God as Creator in Genesis l and 2. For faith looks to, and is informed by, the inspired Word of God. Knowledge of God as...