The Natural World, Human Identity, Human Relationships, and Civilization: A Perspective From the Book of Genesis

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Table of Contents

Introduction
An Analysis of the Natural World from the Perspective of Genesis 1-11
Analysis of Human Identity in Relation to Genesis 1-11
A Review of Human Relationships as Illustrated in Genesis 1-11
Civilization and Genesis 1-11
Conclusion
Works Cited

Introduction

In the contemporary world, man continues to seek for answers to address the various issues affecting their daily life. A lot of soul searching takes place in this regard. In such cases, the Bible acts as a guide in responding to fundamental questions about life on earth (Goheen and Craig 3).

The current paper is written against this background of human life and the Bible. More specifically, an analysis is made from the perspective of the book of Genesis. The author of this paper holds that the said book of Genesis helps in understanding man and his relationships.

The book of Genesis (chapters 1 to 11) is the basis of the review made in this paper. To this end, a critical analysis of the natural world and human identity is provided. In addition, the author analyzes human relationships and civilization in relation to this book.

Each of these elements (natural world, human identity, human relationships, and civilization) impacts on the individual’s view of the world (Goheen and Craig 5). The author of this paper concludes the essay by explaining the link between the said aspects and the thesis statement provided above.

An Analysis of the Natural World from the Perspective of Genesis 1-11

The Bible (King James Version, herein referred to as KJV), introduces the element of the natural world through an illustration of the creation process. Nature is best understood through the various dimensions of creation highlighted in this book.

The dimensions include, among others, light, water, and trees. In Genesis 1:1 (KJV), the Bible affirms that nature, as known to man, is the work of God. As such, it is safe to assume that the natural world belongs to God. The book of Genesis tells the story of creation by illustrating the Lord as the architect of the universe.

In Genesis 1:1 (KJV), the author provides that creation occurred in ‘the beginning’. Consequently, God is described as the originator of time (“Genesis Chapter 1” par. 3). The element of time helps to highlight the aspect of sequence in nature. The creation process suggests that time explains what happens in nature. The book of Genesis (1:1, KJV) explains that there was a sequence in the creation spectrum. For example, man was the last creature that God put on earth.

Analysis of Human Identity in Relation to Genesis 1-11

In a bid to understand their identity, an individual is expected to first determine their origins (Goheen and Craig 29). In Genesis 1:27 (KJV), the Bible explains that human identity takes after God, who is the Creator of man. Towards the end of the creation process, God decided to bring man to life in ‘His own image’ (“Genesis Chapter 1” par. 4). An analysis of this verse reveals that human identity, as already indicated, is similar to God’s identity. As a species, man can either be male or female. The differentiation is highlighted in the first chapter of the book of Genesis (KJV).

In Genesis 2:7 (KJV), the holy book illustrates the ‘actual’ creation process. From the text, it is apparent that God was personally involved in the development of man. It is God who gave man a name. The preferential treatment ensured that man is superior to other creations. As such, the identity of the individual is sourced from God. It is a very strong form of belonging.

A Review of Human Relationships as Illustrated in Genesis 1-11

The Bible (KJV) gives a detailed explanation of the ‘triune’ nature of human relationships. Goheen and Craig (56) provide a working definition of a triune relationship. Goheen and Craig describe it as the kind of interaction that exists in three major forms. In Genesis 1 and 2 (KJV), the holy Bible introduces the first form of human relationship.

It is described as the form of engagement that is evidenced between man and God. Man is expected to hold God in high regard. On His part, God acts as man’s provider. The relationship is described from Genesis 1 to 11. In the text, laws are created to suggest a vertical relationship between man and God.

In Genesis 1-11 mentioned above, humans are expected to relate with each other, in addition to relating with their Creator. An example of such a relationship is exhibited in the way God creates a mate for Adam. He names her Eve, as is shown in Genesis 2:18 (KJV). The link between humans is also evident in Genesis 11:1 (KJV). Here, all people in the world communicate and interact with each other using one language.

The third form of relationship is that between man and the environment. In Genesis 1, God is seen creating a habitat for human beings. The new home for Adam and Eve is named the Garden of Eden. The Bible requires man to respect the environment. The reason is that the environment is one of the representatives of God in the world today.

Civilization and Genesis 1-11

According to Goheen and Craig (89), civilization is an attempt by man to improve their societal welfare through technology. The first attempt at civilization was recorded when Adam and Eve made aprons using leaves to hide their nakedness. The story is told in Genesis 3:7 (KJV).

Human habitation constitutes the larger element of civilization. In Genesis 4:17 (KJV), the first city is built by man. In the chapters that follow, it becomes apparent that human population needs food to survive. It is as a result of this that agriculture is widely practiced.

In Genesis 11:1 (KJV), the Bible describes the importance of civilization and God. It is a fact that it is the wish of the Lord to see man prosper. However, in the verse above, God confuses people in a bid to prevent them from constructing the Tower of Babel. The implication is that some technological innovations are harmful to mankind and negatively affects his relationship with God. As such, civilization should be in line with the will of God.

Conclusion

The eleven chapters of Genesis shed light on human relationships, civilization, natural world, and human identity. In this paper, it was found that human relationships can be understood from the perspective of the natural world. Genesis 1:1 (KJV) describes creation as a way of understanding nature and its origins.

The same verse explains man’s identity. To this end, the identity is seen as emanating from God. It is only through civilization that the aspect of human relationships is properly revealed. Man is expected to relate with God, nature, and fellow humans.

The said relationships affect one’s view of the universe. They introduce the element of hierarchy in nature. Harmony is established when humans respect God. At the same time, man is expected to take care of the environment, which acts as their subject. Finally, humans should treat each other with respect given that they are peers. Redemption of man lies in the understanding of their triune relationships.

Works Cited

Genesis Chapter 1 2013. Web. <https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Genesis-Chapter-1/>.

Goheen, Michael, and B. Craig. Living at the Crossroads: An Introduction to Christian Worldview, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2008. Print.

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