Genesis 15:17 & 19:23--Observational Language in the Bible: Science or Metaphor?

Welcome to the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast with your host, Lance Smith. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating discussion surrounding the use of terms like "the sun going down" in Genesis 15-17 and "the sun rising" in Genesis 19-23. Are these phrases indicative of a lack of scientific understanding, or is there a deeper, phenomenological perspective at work?

We explore how observational language is employed in the Bible, much like in modern weather forecasts, and how this does not signify scientific error. We draw parallels with Jesus' use of metaphors and bring historical context through Galileo's conflict with the church over heliocentricity.

Join us as we unpack the graciousness of God in allowing the Bible to communicate divine truths in a way that resonates with human experience across cultures and eras. We conclude by reflecting on how phenomenological perspectives help us appreciate the Bible's timeless relevance and divine inspiration.

Next week, we will explore Genesis 19:8 and the question of whether the sin of Sodom was homosexuality or inhospitality. Stay tuned for another exciting discussion!

As always, we welcome your questions, comments, and feedback at BibleDifficultiesAndAnswers.Podbean.com or via email at BibleDifficultiesAndAnswers@gmail.com. Please like, subscribe, and review our podcast on your favorite platform to help spread the word about the most amazing book ever written.

References to items discussed on this podcast may found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
2. https://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2011/10/does-the-sun-rise 
3. https://goodquestionblog.com/2012/12/03/1203/
4. https://www.thenivbible.com/blog/bible-on-science-making-sense-of-difficult-verses/
5. https://www.thenivbible.com/blog/bible-on-science-making-sense-of-difficult-verses/
6. https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/stewart_don/faq/does-the-god-of-the-bible-exist/20-havent-discoveries-made-by-modern-science-disproved-gods-existence.cfm