A Liberal Looks at Genesis

                                                                                                                             Vol. VII, No. 5, June 1994

In 1961 Dr. Ralph H. Elliott published his now infamous book, The Message of Genesis. " See comments in ["Liberalism, pure and simple" in the Heritage topic entry for June 1994] for further details about Elliott. The following quotes are from Elliott's book. [Items in square brackets are editorial comments.]

"Suppose that a biblical writer should now or then use poor grammar, poor science, or even poor history in reporting God's act. The important thing is the fact that the divinely inspired writer presents the act itself with clarity and with truth. Error in literary vehicle does not necessarily mean error in message or in the essential purpose of God." p.14 [An interesting assertion, let me rephrase the principle behind it: Elliott maintains that truth may be proclaimed through untruth. That factual errors in the Bible do not matter. That God has chosen to reveal His true message through untrue words.!!]

"Genesis ... is not science. In the material attributed to J and P [J and P are two of the hypothetical earlier sources used by the compiler(s) of Genesis according to believers in the ‘documentary hypothesis.'], the early writers were in no way trying to give a scientific or literal explanation. The stories are what Alan Richardson called parables – ‘parables of nature and man in order to convey deep religious insight."' p. 15

"’Adam' originally must have meant ‘mankind,' not just one person." p. 56

“The particular problem of Chapter 51 [of Genesis] is the longevity of the antediluvians. It is difficult to believe that they actually lived as long as stated. In all probability, the Priestly writer simply exaggerated the ages in order to show the glory of an ancient civilization." pp. 58-9 [Several problems here. First, Moses is not the author of Genesis, but rather some unknown "Priestly writer." Second, the Priestly writer is not acting at God's direction but is seeking to "show the glory of an ancient civilization." Third, what the Bible says about the long life spans of the antediluvians is quite simply a lie.]

"There seems to be little evidence from science that the Flood was universal. The term ‘all' in 7:19 may have been used from the standpoint of an observer." p. 66 [Elliott places science above the Bible.]

[After the Tower of Babel] "The people spread, and as a result of the lack of contact with each other, the language was confused." p. 74 [He reverses cause and effect as given biblically.]

"...there developed the tradition that this was what happened to Lot's wife – perhaps not exactly historical..." p. 136

"[Discussing God's command to Abraham to sacrifice Isaac] it certainly was not a literal command to sacrifice a life. ... God does not test a man of faith with a command to do something that is morally wrong and contrary to the character of God. ... Furthermore, Mowinckel is correct in suggesting that testings which a man experiences in his life come in the form of an inner voice or stirring of soul rather than as a direct voice or command from heaven.... Suddenly, what had been a thought of meditation gripped the inner being of Abraham until he thought he heard it as a clear call from God, `Go sacrifice Isaac."' pp. 144-5 [Elliott imposes his moral standards upon God and even agrees with Mowinckel that our experience is a proper measure of what God may and may not do!]

[Commenting upon the incident of Jacob wrestling with God:] "The phrase in verse 26, ‘Let me go, for the day is breaking,' gives rise to the suggestion that the literary form used here exhibits a survival of the ancient belief in night spirits which roamed at night and disappeared at dawn, a superstition still known in Shakespeare's day." p. 171

This is the same Ralph Elliott to whom the CBF gave an award for courage during their annual meeting 5-7 May 1994 in Greensboro, NC.