The Framework Hypothesis is a theological interpretation of the creation account in Genesis 1 that views it as a literary framework rather than a strictly chronological or scientific sequence of events. It emphasizes the structure and theological themes of the passage, suggesting that its primary purpose is to convey truths about God, creation, and humanity rather than a literal, step-by-step timeline of how the universe was created. Here’s an overview of the Framework Hypothesis and its key aspects:
1. Key Concepts of the Framework Hypothesis
Theological Focus
Genesis 1 is primarily concerned with communicating who God is, His sovereignty, and His relationship to creation. It is not intended to be a scientific explanation of origins.
Literary Structure
The days of creation are presented as a two-part framework that organizes the account thematically rather than chronologically. This structure highlights God’s order and purpose in creation.
2. The Two-Part Framework
The Framework Hypothesis divides the six days of creation into two triads of three days each, emphasizing correspondence between the two groups:
Days Forming the Creation Realm
Day 1 – Light separated from darkness
Day 2 – Waters above and below separated
Day 3 – Land and vegetation
Filling (Realm Population)
Day 4 – Sun, moon, and stars govern day and night
Day 5 – Fish and birds populate sea and sky
Day 6 – Animals and humans populate the land
The first triad (Days 1-3) focuses on forming realms, creating spaces where life can exist.
The second triad (Days 4-6) focuses on filling those realms, assigning inhabitants and rulers to the spaces.
3. Key Theological Themes
God’s Sovereignty: The structured nature of the account demonstrates God’s authority and intentionality in creation. Each element is created by His word, showing His power and control.
Order and Harmony: The framework highlights the orderliness of creation, reflecting a God who brings order out of chaos (Genesis 1:2).
Humanity’s Role: Humanity’s creation on Day 6, as the pinnacle of God’s work, emphasizes the unique role of humans as stewards of creation made in God’s image.
4. Literary Nature of Genesis 1
Proponents of the Framework Hypothesis argue that the creation account is a literary composition with the following characteristics:
Poetic and Symbolic Features: The repetition of phrases like “And God said,” “And it was so,” and “There was evening, and there was morning” suggests a poetic rhythm.
Parallelism: The correspondence between the two triads (forming and filling) reflects intentional structuring rather than a strict chronological sequence.
Cultural Context: Genesis 1 was written in a context where ancient peoples told creation stories. The biblical account contrasts with these by emphasizing monotheism, God’s transcendence, and the goodness of creation.
5. Implications of the Framework Hypothesis
The days of creation are not viewed as literal 24-hour periods or as a chronological sequence but as a framework to present theological truths.
By not interpreting Genesis 1 as a scientific account, the Framework Hypothesis allows for harmony between the Bible and modern scientific understandings of the universe’s origins.
The hypothesis shifts the focus from how creation happened to why it happened, emphasizing God’s purpose and design.
6. Strengths of the Framework Hypothesis
The hypothesis takes seriously the poetic and structured nature of Genesis 1, aligning with how ancient audiences may have understood it.
It highlights the theological messages of Genesis, such as God’s sovereignty, the goodness of creation, and humanity’s role.
By interpreting Genesis 1 non-literally, the Framework Hypothesis avoids conflicts with modern scientific findings about the age of the earth and the universe.
7. Criticisms of the Framework Hypothesis
Critics argue that the hypothesis departs from a plain, literal reading of the text, which some see as the intended interpretation.
Some claim that the focus on literary structure may overlook other aspects of the passage, such as its historical or doctrinal significance.
Detractors suggest that the Framework Hypothesis relies too heavily on modern literary analysis, potentially imposing meanings not intended by the original author.
The Framework Hypothesis presents Genesis 1 as a theological and literary work designed to reveal God’s sovereignty, order, and purpose, rather than as a scientific or strictly chronological account of creation. While it highlights the richness of the text’s structure and meaning, it remains a subject of debate, especially among those who hold to a literal interpretation of Genesis. This perspective allows for engagement with both the spiritual truths of the Bible and modern scientific insights, making it a compelling approach for many Christians.
History
1. Early Observations (17th-19th Centuries)
Hermann Gunkel (1862–1932): As a pioneer of form criticism, Gunkel emphasized the literary and poetic nature of Genesis 1. While he did not explicitly formulate the Framework Hypothesis, his work laid the groundwork for understanding the structure of biblical texts in their cultural and literary context.
19th-Century Observations: Some theologians and scholars began to notice patterns and thematic structures in Genesis 1, suggesting it was written with a literary and theological purpose rather than as a strict chronological account.
2. Formal Articulation (20th Century)
Arie Noordtzij (1924): A Dutch theologian, Noordtzij is credited with early discussions of Genesis 1 as a literary framework. He argued that the text was not intended to provide a literal chronology but was instead a structured theological statement about creation.
Nicolaas H. Ridderbos (1950s): Ridderbos, another Dutch theologian, further developed the idea, emphasizing the non-literal and theological nature of the creation days. He influenced later Reformed theologians who embraced the hypothesis.
3. Major Popularization
Meredith G. Kline (1958): Kline, an American Reformed theologian, is widely recognized for formalizing and popularizing the Framework Hypothesis in modern evangelical circles. In his article, “Because It Had Not Rained,” Kline argued that the days of Genesis 1 are a literary framework rather than a chronological sequence. He emphasized the two triads of forming and filling (Days 1-3 and Days 4-6) and highlighted the text’s theological focus.
Additional Works: Kline’s later writings, including contributions to Reformed theology and biblical studies, solidified the Framework Hypothesis as a prominent interpretation within some theological traditions.
4. Modern Engagement
The Framework Hypothesis has gained traction among Reformed theologians and others who seek to reconcile the Bible’s theological message with modern scientific understanding. It is frequently discussed in academic and evangelical settings, particularly as an alternative to Young Earth Creationism and as a complement to Old Earth Creationism or Theistic Evolution.
The main problem I have with this hypothesis is that it was a conclusion people came to once they started discovering that the earth is old. Sometimes it seems as if most of the newer theories relied on scientific data than on young earth creationism. In other words, was it invented for the sole purpose of aligning with science? I can’t say for sure, but it was in the 1800s that the theory of evolution also took off. However, if this theory is correct, then many people have been misinterpreting Genesis 1 as being literal.
Further Reading
In favor of the Framework Hypothesis:
The Framework View: History and Beliefs
Genesis 1: The Framework Hypothesis
Why the Framework View of Genesis 1
The Framework Interpretation An Exegetical Summary