Gender Differences In Genesis 1-2

Great Essays
The natural world is a theme immediately addressed at the opening of Genesis. The principle of divine creation has been debated for centuries and modern advances in science spurred many theories attempting to prove a different age and creation of the earth. Yet Genesis 1:1 makes it unmistakably clear that God alone created the heavens and the earth. God made earth from nothing and therefore it has a definite beginning. As Genesis 1-2 continue, God’s involvement with creation is apparent as he not only instantaneously speaks all things into existence but is also recorded planting the garden of Eden (Gen 2:8) and getting His hands dirty by literally creating man from the dust of the earth (Gen 2:7). After each creative work, God recognized …show more content…
The first teaching on human relationships stems from the creation of woman. Genesis 1-2 make it clear that there are two original genders and that they are intentional, therefore not supporting the emergence of various other gender preferences. Genesis 2 also makes it clear in the description of the creation of woman that womankind was not an afterthought or secondary being, but rather was made to complete creation and was made from Adam’s rib so that man and woman are equal in standing (Gen 2:22). In Genesis 2:18 the Lord declares, “‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’” This passage makes it clear that humans were not created for isolation but for relationship. Along the same thread, God teaches in Genesis 2 through this original couple that marriage is intended for one man and one woman. Though some argue that later passages refer to other marital practices, that was never God’s original and perfect intention. Genesis preaches that marriage is meant to be the unity of a man and woman becoming one flesh, so they might increase and populate the earth. Yet Genesis 1-2 also provides warnings against the destruction of human relationships. Genesis 4:10-11 and 9:6, through Cain’s killing of Able, identify the act of murder and provide the original mandate of punishment for murder in the …show more content…
For instance, I had never previously noticed the theme of God’s satisfaction and perfection in creation through Genesis 1. This makes me view the natural world and the decisions humans make to preserve it more monumental and biblically mandated than before. In addition, the revelation that the creation of mankind was not only in the image of God but also the finishing touch on creation gives me a sense of peace for not only am I beautifully made in the image of God, but so are all people. It challenges me to look at others as not only children of God, but the likeness of Him as well. Also, in debates of sexism, I have newfound hope in the worldview that woman was created as equal and fit to complete man, not be held beneath or over him. The evaluation of civilization through the fall of Babel has also altered the way I look at society. The faults of pride and idolatry of self in modern society stand out like never before and it makes me re-evaluate my participation in the selfish motives of modern civilization that disobey God’s

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