ATSS: Bryan Ness, “How a Geneticist Reads the Bible”
1 May 2024 |
We all read the Bible through the lens of our knowledge and experience. As a geneticist and biologist, I have often discovered that texts that were otherwise baffling come to life when applying some of the things I know about genetics. One of the most obvious examples involves the deal that Jacob struck with Laban concerning his wages for watching Laban’s flocks. All he asked is that he be able to keep all the spotted and streaked sheep and goats. The story is told in a way that implies that Jacob has some “:magical” way of increasing the number of streaked and spotted offspring. Applying genetics to the story shows instead that Jacob was a skilled breeder, and he appears to have intuited the underlying genetics of streaking and spotting.
Numerous other stories and texts are also illuminated when knowledge of genetics is applied. For example, who was Cain’s wife? What was the “corn” that Joseph gathered into storehouses to prepare for the coming famine in Egypt? What does it mean when God says that those who worship idols will be punished, “punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation?” What does Jesus mean when he says, “for some are eunuchs because they were born that way?”
For this week’s Sabbath seminar, I will take us on a mini tour of some of the stories and texts that make so much more sense when they are understood from a genetics perspective. Applying what we know from modern genetics can deepen our understanding of some of these stories and ideas and even lead to new questions to explore.
Teacher:
Moderator:
How to join:
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The class is intended to last about 2 hours, though the conversation often continues to 4 PM (Eastern time).
About our class:
- The AT Sabbath Seminar is intended to be a courteous forum. We discuss and ask questions politely. We don’t accuse, get angry, put people down, or judge the state of their salvation.
- Stick to the topic in both comments and chat discussion.
- Make your comments and questions short—don’t dominate.
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We look forward to getting acquainted with you!
YouTube channel:
You can see all of our previous ATSS recordings here.
Coming up:
- Sigve Tonstad
- Tom deBruin
