Why Confessional Lutherans Believe that Genesis 1-3 Describes Real History

Abstract

John F. Brug’s essay defends the historical understanding of Genesis 1–3 as foundational to confessional Lutheran theology. He contrasts the historical-grammatical method, which interprets Genesis as literal history, with the historical-critical method, which treats it as myth. Brug argues that Genesis presents a coherent narrative of human origins, affirmed throughout Scripture and essential to doctrines such as sin, marriage, and redemption. He critiques attempts to harmonize evolution with Genesis, showing that evolutionary theory contradicts the biblical account at every point. Brug also refutes claims that Genesis contains multiple conflicting creation stories, asserting that Genesis 1 and 2 are complementary. He warns that rejecting the historicity of Genesis undermines key Christian doctrines, including original sin and Christ’s role as the second Adam. Ultimately, Brug affirms that belief in creation is a matter of faith in God’s Word, not scientific proof. Abstract prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4).