Why I Wouldn’t Enroll in “The Genesis Story” (As Advertised on Fox News).

There is a frequently running ad on Fox News by Hillsdale College offering a free course titled “The Genesis Story.” The speaker promoting this course is Justin Jackson, a professor of English* (not a theologian or a scientist); begins by questioning from the Genesis account how a serpent could speak and why the punishment of the serpent was to crawl on its belly when “that’s what it does.” All of this is in the first few seconds of the commercial. The piece itself is compelling for its classroom setting, soft, meaningful music, and Jackson himself, a bearded academic, speaking with absolute confidence regarding the statements he is making.

In the commercial, Jackson goes on seemingly to imply in his words that if you don’t agree with his statements, it is because you don’t know how to read the Bible,  and then throws out a few literary terms that most people wouldn’t be familiar with apparently to underscore his academic prowess and the viewers alleged lack thereof. Jackson encourages viewers to enroll in the free course in order to gain the benefit of his insights; however, the introductory statements are not primarily theological insights but, in my opinion – unbelief.

Let’s address the two suppositions put forth in the ad regarding the serpent because the underlying attitude being projected is scorn toward those who would interpret these things any other way than Jackson does. The sarcasm and arrogance are dripping through the screen, and in the background, if you listen close enough (on the website), you can hear the film crew cackling in delight at the high-minded, scornful remarks in Jackson’s words.

How Could the Genesis Serpent Talk?

First and foremost, let’s remember that the Bible is not a scientific journal. It is an article of faith. I personally believe in six literal days of creation, and I don’t believe in the “gap theory” between Gen. 1:1 and 1:2 that would supposedly allow for eons of time to generate the fossil record (but that is not the purpose of this writing.) I mention this to take a stand as a minimally public figure in support of the infallibility of scripture and the simplicity of the faith that is no shame to embrace. As a person of faith, you have no obligation to defer to Darwinism or the implied past of the geological record. Paul, in the book of Romans, states that Creation declares the glory of God and if scientific conclusions detract from the simplicity of God’s word and the glory of His handiwork, then the fault lies not in scripture as nothing more than allegory or myth but in science being populated by those tending to embrace the sentiments of atheism and agnosticism.

Having said this, what about the possibility of the serpent speaking? Jackson’s tone of derision smacks of absolutism, suggesting the alleged ludicrousness of seeing things differently than he does. While the idea of a talking serpent might seem fantastical, let’s explore some scientific avenues that could potentially support this concept within the context of the Genesis story:

Unique Vocal Anatomy: It’s possible that the serpent in Genesis possessed a unique vocal anatomy, unlike any snake species we know today. Perhaps this ancient serpent had evolved specialized vocal cords, a resonating chamber, or even a rudimentary form of a larynx, enabling it to produce complex sounds and articulate language. This unique trait could have been lost over time through evolution or even as a consequence of the curse mentioned in Genesis.

Neurological Adaptation: Another possibility is that the serpent had a highly developed brain with advanced neurological structures dedicated to language processing and comprehension. This could have enabled it to understand and generate complex speech patterns, even without the physical, vocal apparatus we associate with human speech. Perhaps this neurological sophistication was a unique feature of this particular serpent, or maybe it was a characteristic of snakes in the pre-Fall world.

Supernatural Influence: Within the context of the Genesis narrative, which involves a supernatural creator and spiritual beings, it’s conceivable that the serpent’s ability to speak was bestowed upon it through supernatural means. This could have been a temporary ability granted for a specific purpose, or it could have been a permanent feature of the serpent’s nature in the pre-Fall world.

Symbolic Interpretation: It’s important to remember that the Genesis account can also be interpreted symbolically. The talking serpent could represent temptation, deception, or even a manifestation of evil. In this context, the ability to speak may not be literal but rather a literary device to convey a deeper meaning.

While these explanations are speculative, they offer potential avenues for understanding how the serpent in Genesis could have possessed the ability to speak. It’s crucial to approach such narratives with an open mind, recognizing the interplay between scientific possibilities and religious interpretations.

How Could the Genesis Serpent Talk?

While the Bible doesn’t explicitly explain how the serpent spoke, it’s crucial to remember that God’s power transcends our understanding of the natural world.

God’s Creative Power: Genesis 1:21 states, “And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.” This demonstrates God’s ability to create creatures with diverse and unique abilities, beyond what we might observe today.  

Animals Used for Divine Purposes: Numbers 22:28 recounts how “the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?” This illustrates that God can enable animals to communicate in ways that surpass their natural capabilities for specific purposes.  

Spiritual Beings Interacting with the Physical World: Throughout the Bible, we see instances of angels appearing in human form and communicating with people. For example, in Judges 13:15-16, Manoah’s wife encounters an angel who speaks to her. This suggests the possibility of spiritual beings, like the serpent in Genesis, interacting with the physical world and communicating with humans.

Why Punish the Serpent to Do What It Already Does? (Crawl on its Belly?)

If serpents already crawled (before the fall), how could that be a punishment? This apparent contradiction has puzzled theologians and scientists alike for centuries.  Let’s delve into some possible explanations, drawing from both scientific and theological perspectives:

Scientific Perspectives:

 Loss of Limbs:  It’s possible that the serpent in Genesis originally possessed limbs, allowing it to walk or even climb. Fossil evidence suggests that some ancient snake ancestors had rudimentary hind limbs. Why doesn’t Jackson seem to have knowledge of this? For one thing he is an English professor not a scientist or theology (as he presents himself academically in the commercial in question)?

Perhaps the curse involved a devolution, causing the serpent to lose these limbs and adopt a belly-crawling locomotion. This could explain the “on your belly you shall go” phrase as a removal of a previously existing ability.

 Change in Environment:  The curse on the serpent could also be linked to a change in its environment. Perhaps the Fall brought about ecological shifts that made it disadvantageous for the serpent to move in its original way.  The ground becoming cursed (Genesis 3:17) could imply changes in terrain, vegetation, or even the introduction of predators that favored a low-to-the-ground mode of movement for survival.

 Shift in Morphology: Even if the serpent always crawled, the curse could have altered its way of crawling. Imagine a serpent that once moved with grace and agility, perhaps even gliding or slithering upright. The curse might have forced it into a more laborious,  “dust-eating” crawl, constantly scraping its belly against the ground. This could be seen as a degradation of its physical form and a constant reminder of its transgression.

Theological Perspectives:

 Symbolic Degradation: Theologically, the curse might not be about a literal change in the serpent’s physical form but rather a symbolic representation of its fall from grace. The serpent, often associated with wisdom and even divine attributes in ancient cultures, was now reduced to a creature of the dust, symbolizing its moral degradation and association with sin and temptation.

 Cosmic Consequences:  The Fall is depicted as a cosmic event with repercussions for all creation. The serpent’s curse could be seen as part of this broader disruption of the natural order. Even if it always crawled, its crawling now carries a new significance, representing the consequences of sin and disobedience.

 Typological Significance:  Christian theology often interprets the serpent as a type or prefigurement of Satan. The curse on the serpent, then, could foreshadow Satan’s ultimate defeat and humiliation.  The image of the serpent crawling in the dust could symbolize Satan’s downfall and his eventual “bruising” under the heel of the woman’s offspring (Genesis 3:15).

Why Punish the Serpent to Do What It Already Does? (Crawl on its Belly?)

The curse on the serpent, even if it already crawled, could represent a significant change in its existence and a symbolic degradation.

Loss of Original Glory: Romans 8:20-22 states, “For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.” This suggests that all creation, including the serpent, was affected by the Fall and experienced a loss of its original state.  

Symbolic of Satan’s Defeat: Genesis 3:15 prophesies, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” Many Christians interpret this verse as a foreshadowing of Christ’s victory over Satan. The serpent’s cursed state could symbolize Satan’s ultimate humiliation and defeat.  

Consequences of Sin: Romans 6:23 declares, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” The serpent’s punishment, even if seemingly redundant, serves as a reminder that sin has consequences, even for creatures other than humans.

By incorporating these scriptural references, we can deepen our understanding of the Genesis account and appreciate the profound theological truths it conveys. It’s essential to approach the Bible with humility and a willingness to explore its depths, recognizing that God’s ways are often beyond our full comprehension.

While the Genesis narrative doesn’t explicitly state that the serpent underwent a physical transformation, both scientific and theological perspectives offer intriguing possibilities for understanding the nature of the curse. Whether it involved a loss of limbs, a change in environment, or a symbolic degradation, the serpent’s fate serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin and disobedience.

Conclusion

The Hillsdale College ad, while visually appealing, raises concerns about the approach to biblical interpretation it seems to promote.  Instead of fostering curiosity and open dialogue, it leans towards a dismissive and even scornful attitude towards those who might hold different perspectives.  The Genesis account, with its rich symbolism and profound theological truths, deserves a more nuanced and respectful exploration.

It’s crucial to remember that faith and reason are not mutually exclusive. Scientific inquiry and theological reflection can complement each other, enriching our understanding of the world and deepening our appreciation for the complexities of the biblical text.  Approaching scripture with humility and a willingness to consider diverse viewpoints allows us to engage with its profound message in a meaningful way.

Questions for Reflection:

•  How can we balance a commitment to the authority of scripture with an openness to scientific inquiry and diverse interpretations?
•  How can we cultivate a spirit of humility and respect when engaging in discussions about faith and reason?
•  What are the potential dangers of a dismissive or arrogant approach to biblical interpretation?
•  How can we encourage curiosity and wonder in our exploration of the Genesis narrative?
•  What role does symbolism play in conveying theological truths in the Bible?

Call to Action:

•  Engage in respectful dialogue: Seek out conversations with people who hold different perspectives on faith and science.
•  Explore diverse resources: Read books and articles from a variety of theological and scientific viewpoints.
•  Support organizations:  Contribute to institutions that promote open and balanced discussions about faith and reason.
•  Cultivate critical thinking: Develop your ability to analyze information and evaluate different interpretations.
•  Embrace lifelong learning: Continue to deepen your understanding of both scripture and the natural world.
• By fostering a spirit of curiosity, humility, and open-mindedness, we can unlock the richness of the Genesis narrative and its enduring message of creation, fall, and redemption.

*Justin Jackson; Ph.D.  (2004) English, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN. Old and Middle English Literature.;  M.A.  (1997) English, California State University, Fresno—Fresno, CA (With Distinction); B.A.  (1994) English, California State University, Fresno—Fresno, CA (Cum Laude)