📖

Augustine's Interpretation of Genesis 1

Jan 21, 2025

Did Augustine Read Genesis 1 Literally? - Henry Center

Introduction

  • Current creation debates within the church focus on the literal interpretation of the biblical creation story.
  • Augustine's work on the doctrine of creation includes a literal commentary on Genesis 1-3, differing from modern interpretations of 'literal.'
  • This study explores Augustine's understanding of a 'literal' interpretation of Genesis 1.

Augustine's Transition from Allegorical to Literal Interpretation

  • Early Works: Augustine initially used allegorical explanations, such as viewing Genesis days as epochs or stages of Christian life.
  • Literal Commentary: Shifted to historical significance rather than allegory, though he didn't reject allegorical interpretations completely.
    • His literal interpretation still encompassed allegorical meanings.
  • Literal vs. Literary Genre: Literal interpretation focused on historical reference, not the literary style of recounting history.
  • Contemporary Understanding: Similar to Kevin Vanhoozer's distinction between 'good/soft' and 'hard/bad' literality.

Augustine's View of the Creation Days

  • Augustine emphasizes the ineffability of creation and the difficulty in understanding the meaning of Genesis' six days.
  • Simultaneous Creation: God created all things at once; the seven-day construct is an accommodation for human understanding.
  • Accommodation Concept: Biblical language adjusts to the listener's capacity, like teaching a child.
  • Angelic Knowledge: The order of Genesis represents angelic understanding, not chronological sequence.

Textual Reasons for Augustine's View

  • Day 1-3 Light vs. Day 4 Luminaries: Augustine grappled with the source of light before the creation of sun, moon, and stars.
    • Linked pre-solar light to angelic creation.
  • Genesis 2:4-6 Challenges: Struggled with the apparent dischronology and the interpretation of 'day.'
    • Affirmed creation as a singular event rather than sequential days.
  • God's Rest: Interpreted analogically, not as literal rest after labor.

Conclusion

  • Augustine's approach contrasts with modern literalist and historical-critical interpretations.
  • Precedent in patristic and medieval exegesis influenced Augustine's framework interpretation of Genesis.
  • The historical context and struggle with textual details are vital in understanding the diversity of interpretations.
  • Emphasizes the orthodoxy of diverse views on Genesis 1, avoiding harsh judgments on past interpreters like Augustine.