Topical Encyclopedia Cosmogony refers to the study or theory of the origin and development of the universe or cosmos. Within the context of the Bible, cosmogony is primarily concerned with the account of creation as presented in the Scriptures, particularly in the Book of Genesis. The biblical narrative provides a foundational understanding of the universe's origins from a theological perspective, emphasizing the role of God as the Creator.Biblical Account of Creation The primary biblical account of cosmogony is found in Genesis 1-2. The opening verse of Genesis sets the stage for the entire creation narrative: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). This statement affirms the belief in God as the ultimate source and initiator of all that exists. The creation account unfolds over six days, with each day marking a specific act of creation by God. 1. Day One: God creates light, separating it from darkness, and names the light "day" and the darkness "night" (Genesis 1:3-5). 2. Day Two: God creates the expanse, or firmament, to separate the waters above from the waters below, calling the expanse "sky" (Genesis 1:6-8). 3. Day Three: God gathers the waters under the sky into one place, allowing dry ground to appear, which He calls "land." He also creates vegetation, including seed-bearing plants and trees (Genesis 1:9-13). 4. Day Four: God creates the celestial bodies, including the sun, moon, and stars, to serve as signs for seasons, days, and years, and to give light on the earth (Genesis 1:14-19). 5. Day Five: God creates marine life and birds, blessing them to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:20-23). 6. Day Six: God creates land animals and humankind. Humanity is created in the image of God, male and female, and is given dominion over the earth and its creatures (Genesis 1:24-31). The creation narrative culminates with God resting on the seventh day, sanctifying it as a day of rest (Genesis 2:1-3). Theological Implications The biblical cosmogony emphasizes several key theological themes: · Divine Sovereignty: God is depicted as the sovereign Creator who speaks the universe into existence. His authority and power are evident in the orderly and purposeful nature of creation. · Goodness of Creation: Repeatedly, the text affirms the goodness of creation, with God declaring it "very good" upon completion (Genesis 1:31). This underscores the inherent value and purpose of the created order. · Humanity's Unique Role: Humans are created in the image of God, setting them apart from the rest of creation. This unique status confers responsibility and stewardship over the earth (Genesis 1:26-28). · Sabbath Rest: The institution of the Sabbath highlights the importance of rest and reflection, serving as a model for human behavior and a reminder of God's completed work. Other Biblical References While Genesis provides the most detailed account of creation, other biblical passages also reflect on cosmogony. For example, Psalm 33:6-9 celebrates God's creative power: "By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all the stars by the breath of His mouth." Similarly, John 1:1-3 affirms the role of the Word, identified as Christ, in creation: "Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made." Conclusion The biblical cosmogony presents a worldview in which God is the central figure in the creation and sustenance of the universe. This perspective shapes the understanding of humanity's place within creation and informs the moral and spiritual responsibilities of believers. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) A theory or account of the creation of the universe; as, the poetical cosmogony of Hesoid; the cosmogonies of Thales, Anaxagoras, and Plato.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia COSMOGONYkoz-mog'-o-ni. Library Gentile Cosmogony. Cosmogony of Orpheus. Pythagoras' Cosmogony; Similar to that of Empedocles. The Cosmogony of Justinus an Allegorical Explanation of Herodotus' ... Hesiod's Cosmogony. Pythagoras; his Cosmogony; Rules of his Sect; Discoverer of ... Their Cosmogony Framed According to These Mystic Doctrines of ... Aristotle's Cosmogony; his "Psychology;" his "Entelecheia;" his ... Mosaic Cosmogony. Hesiod; the Nine Muses; the Hesiodic Cosmogony; the Ancient ... Thesaurus Cosmogony... (n.) A theory or account of the creation of the universe; as, the poetical cosmogony of Hesoid; the cosmogonies of Thales, Anaxagoras, and Plato. ...COSMOGONY. ... /c/cosmogony.htm - 6k Creation (35 Occurrences) Cosmological World (2829 Occurrences) Cosmetics (3 Occurrences) Abyss (11 Occurrences) Air (74 Occurrences) Sky (278 Occurrences) Anthropology Philosophy (1 Occurrence) Resources Who was Valentinus? What was Valentinianism? | GotQuestions.orgCosmogony: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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