Scientific Explanation for the 'Waters Above' in Genesis

While many may question the existence and nature of the 'waters above' in the Genesis account of creation, let's delve into the scientific and biblical context surrounding this intriguing detail.

Introduction to the Concept

Many ancient beliefs about the natural world included the idea of a 'heavenly ocean' or 'waters above.' To ancient people, the sky was often imagined as a vast dome of water that separated the earth from the heavens. While this concept is no longer scientifically supported, it provides context for the beliefs of those times. Today, we approach such beliefs from a modern, scientific perspective, seeking to understand their origins and implications.

Scientific and Biblical Foundations

According to the Bible, specifically in Genesis 1:6-8, God created a vast expanse to separate the waters on earth from those that were above. This expanse is referred to as 'heaven' and it is explained that the 'waters above' remained in place until the Flood.

Genesis 1:6-8 Explanation

u003cblockquoteu003eAnd God said, 'Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.' 7 God, then, made the expanse and separated the waters that were under the expanse from the waters that were above it. It was so. 8 God called the expanse 'sky.' " (Genesis 1:6-8, NET Version)u003c/blockquoteu003e

The Flood and Its Implications

Genesis also describes the significant event of the Flood in detail. The scriptural account talks about 'the waters from beneath the earth' and 'the windows of the heavens being opened' (Genesis 7:11). These descriptions have been the subject of much speculation, with some suggesting that the 'waters above' played a role in holding back cosmic radiation and protecting early humans from harmful radiation.

Scientific Speculation and Biblical Silence

While various explanations have been offered for how the water was held above the expanse until the Flood, these are purely speculative. The Bible provides a straightforward account of God's power in creating the expanse and bringing about the Flood. It does not specify any scientific process for how the 'waters above' were held in place. Some have theorized that the end of the Flood resulted in changes to the earth's surface, including the uplift of mountain ranges and the deepening of sea basins, leading to the current configuration of the earth's surface.

Effects of the Flood on the Earth

The catastrophic Flood described in Genesis led to significant changes on the earth. For example, it is recorded that the life span of humans dropped dramatically after the Flood. Some scholars suggest that the 'waters above' may have provided a shielding effect against harmful cosmic radiation, but this remains a matter of speculation. The Bible is silent on the specific impacts of such changes.

Modern Interpretations and Further Reading

For those interested in delving deeper into the scientific and biblical contexts surrounding the 'waters above,' The Biblical Flood and the Ice Epoch by D. Patten (1966) and Insight from The Scriptures Book 1 (1998 and 2015) provide further insights. These works explore the various theories and interpretations of this intriguing biblical account, taking into account both the scientific and theological perspectives.