Orthodoxy & Genesis: Unveiling the True Teachings of the Church Fathers

Orthodoxy and Genesis: What the Fathers Really Taught

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the teachings of the early Church Fathers on the book of Genesis, specifically regarding the creation account. We will examine the views of Fr Seraphim Rose, an American Eastern Orthodox monk, as presented in his book "Genesis, Creation and Early Man." The book compiles Fr Seraphim's lectures, letters, and articles on Genesis, Creation, and evolution. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the historic teaching of the church on creation and challenge modern interpretations that deviate from this tradition.

The Teachings of the Early Church Fathers

The book emphasizes that until the 19th century, the historic teaching of the church was a literal interpretation of Genesis. Fr Seraphim Rose presents extensive quotations from the Church Fathers from the fourth century onwards to support this claim. He argues that a Six-Day Creation approximately 6,000 years ago, followed by a global catastrophic Flood, was widely accepted within the church until more recent times.

Fr Seraphim Rose: His Background and Conversion

Fr Seraphim Rose was born Eugene Rose in San Diego. Growing up, he accepted evolution due to societal influence but later drifted into agnosticism. However, through his studies in Chinese philosophy and encounters with French philosopher René Guénon, he began to question evolution and developed an interest in deeper historical roots. In 1962, he converted to Eastern Orthodoxy and joined the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR). Seven years later, he became a monk and took the name Seraphim.

Summary of the Book

The book is divided into several parts. Part I is a patristic commentary on Genesis 1-11, drawing extensively from the writings of Church Fathers such as John Chrysostom, Ephraim the Syrian, Basil the Great, and Ambrose of Milan. Part II discusses the philosophy of evolution and provides a critique of theistic evolutionists within the Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions. Part III is a lengthy letter explaining the patristic doctrine of Creation. Part IV includes Rose's answers to questions posed by his students, and Part V consists of letters on various relevant topics written by Rose in the later years of his life.

The book also includes appendices containing additional notes, outlines, and recommended resources related to science, evolution, and Christian philosophy.

Key Teachings of the Church Fathers

Fr Seraphim Rose emphasizes several key teachings of the Church Fathers based on their commentaries on Genesis:

1. Literal Interpretation: The Church Fathers took Genesis as both literal history and symbolic spiritual teaching. They believed in a Six-Day Creation approximately 6,000 years ago, as well as a global Flood.

2. Creation Events: The Church Fathers believed in the instantaneous creation of living things with maturity. They understood that Adam was created as an adult, plants had fruit on their branches, and animals were named by Adam.

3. Pre-Fall World: The Church Fathers taught that the pre-Fall world was categorically different from the post-Fall world we live in today. The Fall and Curse had a profound effect on all of creation.

4. Genealogies: The Church Fathers interpreted the genealogies in Genesis 5 and 11 as strictly chronological with no gaps. They believed that all people groups descended from one man and that each original kind was fixed to reproduce according to its distinct nature.

5. Post-Flood Changes: The Church Fathers believed that animals and humans were not carnivores before the Fall but likely became so after the Flood.

Why This Matters

Understanding the teachings of the early Church Fathers on Genesis is crucial for Christians who seek to align their beliefs with historic Christian doctrine. It provides a foundation for interpreting Genesis as both literal history and symbolic spiritual teaching. Additionally, it challenges modern interpretations that deviate from the traditional understanding of Genesis.

Think About It

1. How does the teaching of a young-earth creation approximately 6,000 years ago impact your understanding of Genesis and the biblical account of creation?
2. Consider the significance of the pre-Fall world being categorically different from the post-Fall world. How does this shape your understanding of the effects of sin on all of creation?
3. Reflect on the importance of interpreting Scripture in light of church history and the teachings of early Christian leaders. How can this practice help guide our interpretation of biblical texts?

In conclusion, Fr Seraphim Rose's book "Genesis, Creation and Early Man" presents a comprehensive compilation of the teachings of the early Church Fathers on Genesis. It reinforces the historic teaching of a literal interpretation of Genesis, including a Six-Day Creation approximately 6,000 years ago and a global catastrophic Flood. Understanding these teachings can deepen our understanding of biblical creation and encourage us to align our beliefs with historic Christian doctrine.