Discussion on Genesis
Dr. Stuart's point about mankind being created to work as God's representatives here on Earth was insightful. In the Bible, it seems that God puts particular emphasis on people serving in that capacity: the prophets and judges representing Him to the people, the nation of Israel representing Him to the ancient world, and the Church representing Him to the modern world.
Dr. Stuart's emphasis on this made me look at the story about Babel in a whole new light. Generally, it is interpreted as merely men pursuing self-glory rather than obeying God. However, now it appears to be about men seeking recognition from other men for their accomplishments rather than men seeking to honor God through their accomplishments.
Comments
Old Testament survey OT500-2
It is so wonderful to see that God's priority is on beings,and how God himself became an example to his masterpiece in terms of morality.The course is so insightful that i got a deeper understanding about the Adam and eve eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil,which is actually the ability to know all and everything beyond what they can morally handle.This is actually a structural build up by Moses on the story of the creation of the world,humanity and israel in such a away that it could be easily comprehended.I have a better understanding about why things were created and how they were created,and also the general purpose of creating human beings.
sons of god and daughters of men
I just recently heard of another possible explanation for this vague passage in Augustine's " City of God." the Sons of Man refer to the descendants of Adam through Seth, and the descendants of Cain being the sons or daughters of man. Augustine goes through a lengthy explanation of how this could be and i won't bother to copy it down as it would take quite a bit of reading but i think it is in the fifth book of City of God, and i would like to hear if anyone else has read it and their thoughts on the idea.
Sons of God, Daughters of man
Yes, I believe that the best interpretation for the phrase is that the sons of God are the godly lineage through Seth. Its simply silliness to teach that it was a bunch of angels who intermingled with humans. God designed a species to reproduce "after its own kind"- that is, inter-species reproduction is impossible. Moreover, Jesus said later in response to the Sadducee's question about marriage in heaven, that angels are celibate creatures, unable to marry and by implication- unable to reproduce.
Check these out:
Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God.
Galatians 3:26 For ye are all sons of God, through faith, in Christ Jesus.
Obviously the phrase "sons of God" doesnt always refer to angels. I think that settles it.
Blessings