Is the Genesis Story of Creation True?
by Steven R. Hemler Many people believe the creation story in Genesis is literally and historically true. They believe the universe was created only several thousand years ago, in six, 24-hour “days.” However, there is another way to read this story. The story of creation found in Genesis could be a literary form similar to the parables of Jesus. What was the truth conveyed in the parables of Jesus? Was it the plot and storyline? For example, was the Prodigal Son a real person and was Jesus describing actual events? Was there really a Good Samaritan who helped a beaten Jew? The plot of the parables does not have to be literally and historically true in order for them to teach us something very important. The truths that Jesus conveyed by means of parables are found within the fictional plot. For example, God’s love for each of us is the same as the unconditional love of the father towards his Prodigal Son. Like the Good Samaritan, we are also called to proactively show our love for all
