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• Literal vs. Literary Genre: Literal interpretation focused on historical reference, not the literary style of recounting history.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.