The Gap Theory

Between verses Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2 there appears to be a "gap of time" that is not initially explained…Which, could be millions or even billions of years in length!

So, does the bible or any other religious book give us "hints" of what could have been going on during this time period? As well as, do these "hints" point to why humankind was created?

DKH said:

So, does the bible or any other religious book give us "hints" of what could have been going on during this time period? As well as, do these "hints" point to why humankind was created?

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No

DKH said:

Between verses Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2 there appears to be a "gap of time" that is not initially explained…Which, could be millions or even billions of years in length!

So, does the bible or any other religious book give us "hints" of what could have been going on during this time period? As well as, do these "hints" point to why humankind was created?

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There is no gap written in the: "the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God."
Luke 3:38

DKH said:

Between verses Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2 there appears to be a "gap of time" that is not initially explained…Which, could be millions or even billions of years in length!

So, does the bible or any other religious book give us "hints" of what could have been going on during this time period? As well as, do these "hints" point to why humankind was created?

Click to expand...

IMO, the Creation stories are myths [does not mean falsehood] meant to refute the earlier and much more widespread Babylonian teachings so as to substitute the early Jewish teachings in its place.

Since the authors certainly weren't there on "creation", they simply cannot be actual eye-witness accounts of what happened almost 14 billion years ago.

Altfish said:

No

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Genesis 1:1 tells us that God created the heaven and the earth and Genesis 1:2 tells us that the earth "became" without form and void. Then, as the writings continue, the earth is restored to a habitable planet and man was created. So, when were angels created: Before Adam/Eve or after?

questfortruth said:

There is no gap written in the: "the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God."
Luke 3:38

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This is true...But, the suggested period is between the creation of heaven/earth and the planet earth becoming without form and void. Not, after the creation of Adam.

metis said:

Since the authors certainly weren't there on "creation", they simply cannot be actual eye-witness accounts of what happened almost 14 billion years ago.

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You make a good point...However, isn't naturalism suggesting a 14 billion year timeline without actually knowing for sure, because of no eyewitnesses?

DKH said:

You make a good point...However, isn't naturalism suggesting a 14 billion year timeline without actually knowing for sure, because of no eyewitnesses?

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Those numbers are speculation founded on reasonably solid math, which cannot be claimed for the Biblical account, which among other things posits that humans in earlier times lived for several centuries.

DKH said:

Between verses Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2 there appears to be a "gap of time"

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What gap?

If the writer just started with "The earth was without form, and void" people would have said: "Huh?"

Gen 1:1 is just an introductory sentence.

If you see a gap, it is just in your imagination.

DKH said:

Between verses Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2 there appears to be a "gap of time" that is not initially explained…Which, could be millions or even billions of years in length!

So, does the bible or any other religious book give us "hints" of what could have been going on during this time period? As well as, do these "hints" point to why humankind was created?

Click to expand...

Hugh Ross is one of authors who promote long period of time for each day of creation in Genesis. He's an astronomer, and you may find his writing of interest. His books have been around for a while, and I bought one in a Christian bookstore about 20 years ago. You find criticisms of his books, too; so its place to begin if you want to see what people have said about it.

Young Earth creationists find ways to debunk it as do almost all Scientists, however it remain popular with many people. Its not terrible to investigate different ways of thinking about Genesis. and origins. They don't have to be popular or even correct for you to enjoy and learn. There are many things you see that other people don't get to see on the paths rarely trodden, aren't there?

Now some people warn that seeking the truth about beginnings is a spiral into madness, and by some people I mean Buddha. Dedicated Buddhists probably don't care to much about asking where everything comes from, and its perfectly possible to get along without asking it.

My real problem is not scientific, since I'm not a scientist. I just think its an idolatrous though well intentioned attempt to prove God's existence, that God should be pursued only for moral purposes and not for magical ones. The invisible nature of God is more than just translucence. I think we're not supposed to be able to demonstrate God exists in any physical manner.

DKH said:

Between verses Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2 there appears to be a "gap of time" that is not initially explained…Which, could be millions or even billions of years in length!

So, does the bible or any other religious book give us "hints" of what could have been going on during this time period? As well as, do these "hints" point to why humankind was created?

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NO and NO!

ALL religions are made up by spiritually clueless MAN.

Tambourine said:

Those numbers are speculation founded on reasonably solid math, which cannot be claimed for the Biblical account, which among other things posits that humans in earlier times lived for several centuries.

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The key word in your comment is "speculation." It was also speculated that the earth was younger or about 4.6 billion years old. This modern day readjustment is a clear indication that many in the scientific community just don't know how old the earth is, but refuse to admit this...However, there are bible verses that suggest the earth was created, became without form and void and was repopulated with form and life.

ecco said:

If the writer just started with "The earth was without form, and void" people would have said: "Huh?"

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Well, we don't know that this is true! The reality of translations can often be misleading. The Hebrew word translated into "was" can also be understood as: became or become…So, to arrive at the correct understanding we must review the context used, not only in Genesis 1:2, but also other verses.

ecco said:

If you see a gap, it is just in your imagination.

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No, it is proper research…

DKH said:

Genesis 1:1 tells us that God created the heaven and the earth and Genesis 1:2 tells us that the earth "became" without form and void.

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Where does the Hebrew say this and how do you presume to know?

Ancient Soul said:

ALL religions are made up by spiritually clueless MAN.

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I may agree with your comment, up to a certain point. But, for one who believes in an Intelligent Creator, I disagree with your No and No statement.

DKH said:

Between verses Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2 there appears to be a "gap of time" that is not initially explained…Which, could be millions or even billions of years in length!

So, does the bible or any other religious book give us "hints" of what could have been going on during this time period? As well as, do these "hints" point to why humankind was created?

Click to expand...

Ancient Soul said:

NO and NO!

ALL religions are made up by spiritually clueless MAN.

Click to expand...

DKH said:

I may agree with your comment, up to a certain point. But, for one who believes in an Intelligent Creator, I disagree with your No and No statement.

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Ok,so I would like to see the quotes from other religious books that gives ""hints" of what could have been going on during this time period" and why humankind was created.

DKH said:

However, there are bible verses that suggest the earth was created, became without form and void and was repopulated with form and life.

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Again, where does the Hebrew say that the earth "became without form and void"?

DKH said:

You make a good point...However, isn't naturalism suggesting a 14 billion year timeline without actually knowing for sure, because of no eyewitnesses?

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That is based on objectively-derived evidence that's based on what's called "red-shift", plus an accelerating universe and mathematics. One could call it "forensic evidence", which of course, is often used in researching crimes that sometimes lead to convictions.

Jayhawker Soule said:

Again, where does the Hebrew say that the earth "became without form and void"?

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Patience, please…The Hebrew word used in Genesis 1:2 is {H1961)—hayah (haw'-yaw) which is defined as to exist i.e. be or become and come to pass. This same word is used in Genesis 47:26 (became), Exodus 9:24 (became) and 1Kings 2:15 (become). Since, this Hebrew word has been translated to express the English words: became or become, we need to consider if using the English word "was" is correct. So, context is very important…Thus, I have supplied additional support for my position:

Jeremiah 4:23-26, Deuteronomy 32:4 (He is the Rock, His work is perfect), Ecclesiastes 3:11, Psalms 111:2-3, Jeremiah 10:12.

And, Isaiah 45:18: For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God Himself that formed the earth and made it; He hath established it; He created it not in vain, He formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord; and there is none else.

Thus, there is no way that God would create something that is "without form" {H8414—tohuw (to'-hoo) or worthless thing and in vain} or "void" {H922—bohum (bo'-hoo) an undistinguishable ruin}

Jayhawker Soule said:

How do you presume to know?

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I know, because I support and believe-in Jeremiah 31:31-33…

Note: KJV through-out

Ancient Soul said:

Ok,so I would like to see the quotes from other religious books that gives ""hints" of what could have been going on during this time period" and why humankind was created.

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The statement that you are referring to was not a statement of fact, related to other religious books. It was a question to those who support their religious books and asking if these books include such material or not.