[Rhya Stepanova]

Genesis 1 has been widely debated by the faithful, scholars, agnostics, and atheists. There are those that apply a literal interpretation to the passage, which has, therefore, caused scientific arguments to ensue. In the book, The Lost World of Genesis One by John H. Walton, a different interpretation of Genesis 1 is analyzed; an interpretation that supports the idea of ancient cosmology.
Walton suggests that Genesis 1 is not a scientific explanation of creation, but rather a worship to the creation of a cosmic temple. Many points of evidence are provided to support this theory, but as it applies to the Pathfinder course content as well as the Hebraic map, there is one point that stands out. When the cosmic temple interpretation is applied to the first few chapters of Genesis, one can clearly see that the earth is intended and created as God’s temple. Genesis 1 is, therefore, a temple dedication ceremony. As Walton mentions on page 91, “In summary, we have suggested that the seven days are not given as the period of time over which the material cosmos came into existence, but the period of time devoted to the inauguration of the functions of the cosmic temple…” Walton’s argument is that the seven days of creation is a seven-day temple inauguration, that is, earth as the temple of God.
The Pathfinder Course supports the idea that the earth is God’s temple, a temple that He intends to inhabit as the Kingdom of God. The direction of Leadership should lead to the establishment of the earth as God’s holy temple. The Hebraic map suggests that God and humanity are in a relationship, as does the ancient cosmology interpretation of Genesis 1. God is the foundation, the deity that inhabits the earthen temple and humanity are the priests. This interpretation acknowledges the historical understanding of the Hebraic worldview.