and:
>... since the passage uses language to communicate, it is sheer folly
>to suppose that we can read it without interaction with our knowledge of the
>outside world (after all, that's how we understand language!). The main
>question is the genre-based way we are to use that knowledge.
>
- this puts the issue very well, and would I think encompass Glenn's desire
to see public acknowledgement of the 'outside' influences.
>we have to apply the rule (used in textual criticism), witnesses are to be
>>weighed, not counted.
- Oh what a pleasure to read! I had forgotten that gem, not having heard it
in many years. I think we have to focus on quality - unlike the YEC
presentations which delight in saying "there are scientists who believe..."
when one wants to reply "yes, but WHICH scientists?".
- With regard to the question I posed on understandings of the 7th day,
Jack responds:
>In my article I found
that Athanasius, Augustine, Anselm, and Aquinas generally support my
"anthropomorphic days" scheme (and perhaps the English Puritan William Ames had
a precursor to Newman & Eckelmann's scheme; the interpretation of his Latin is
open to dispute). [Is there a reason they all begin with A?] The top-notch
medieval Jewish scholars Rashi & Maimonides, though they do not discuss the
nature of the days explicitly, certainly cautioned against literalistic
>readings. I'd say that's a lot of weight.
- Is this good enough evidence that interpreting Gn 1-2 in terms of
non-literal "days" (as we know them) is widespread, ancient and
*well*-supported? Can anyone add to this list? (Someone mentioned Basil,
whom Howard Van Till has often quoted). What about modern exegetes? We've
heard about Kline, Collins, Waltke, Wenham, Blocher... do people know of
others?
Peter
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Peter J. Vibert
Senior Scientist Interim Pastor
Rosenstiel Basic Medical The Congregational Church
Sciences Research Center in North Chelmsford
Brandeis University 15 Princeton Street
PO Box 9110, Waltham, MA 02254 N. Chelmsford, MA 01863
tel: (617) 736-4947 tel: (508) 251-1261
fax: (617) 736-2419
Int: peter@hydra.rose.brandeis.edu
WWW: http://www.rose.brandeis.edu/users/vibert
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