As the Book of Genesis does not accord with the book of science we can be certain that Genesis is symbolic. To read Genesis as other than symbolic is to go against its intended meanings and causes endless harm to religion.
The general theme of Genesis is that G.d Caused Creation. The details in Genesis do not present a step-by-step process in any literal sense. The primary, overall theme is the development of the human spirit in stages leading to a personal responsibility to know G.d and recognise G.d and be singularly responsible for one's own actions.
The development of the human spirit was achieved in 6 days of Creation. As per the Bible, a day of G.d is equal to a 1000 years. In the Adamic cycle there are 6000 years and 6 Messengers or Prophets. Each Prophet being a day of G.d with a teaching that lasted 1000 years. The 7th day is the day of G.d when the Promise of all these religions will become manifest. Christians claim it to be the return of Christ. Jews await the Messiah. Muslims await the Twelfth Imam, etc.
Each Day, 1000 years, each Prophet, contributed new attributes to the development of the human spirit. Adam - Day 1 / Noah - Day 2 / Abraham - Day 3 / Moses - Day 4 / Jesus - Day 5 / Muhammad - Day 6. Muhammad was the Seal of the Prophets, 6 Days, 6000 years. Muhammad ended this process of development so that on the 7th Day a universal Teacher would arise and this would be G.d's Day.
Genesis then goes on the explain via the story of Adam and Eve how each individual must become responsible for their own spirituality. Adam being the spirit we all possess and Eve the human life-force that is in constant challenge to the human spirit. The story of Adam and Eve is then the evolution of the power of G.d within mankind.
Eden, the first stage, means place of living, this is the development of human body.
Garden of Eden, the second stage then signifies growth, evolution of that body.
The different fruits signify the third stage, senses and functionality of the human condition arising and developing.
The fourth stage is that of gaining understanding, reasoning, he can understand the Tree of Good and Evil, he now knows the difference between right and wrong.
The fifth stage is that of being fully human, he is completely responsible for his own actions and can position himself before the Tree of Life, which is the the Spirit of G.d in human form, such as Jesus.
To claim Genesis is literal is to miss the point completely. Genesis is a deeply complex telling of the Creation and development of the human spirit and there are many more meanings to be drawn from this work.
Expand
