Mara examines Genesis 1:2 and explores the pre-creation elements of wasteland (tohu vavohu), darkness (choshek), and chaos waters (tehom). She discusses how these elements aren't presented as enemies but as raw materials for creation.
"By understanding the non-ordered state of creation and how that is not a rival of the creator, I have become bolder, less fearful as a maker and a mother."
KEY THEMES:
• The ancient understanding of creation as order emerging from chaos
• Parallels between Genesis and other ancient creation myths
• How these elements later become symbols of opposition when against the intended order
• Personal reflections on embracing chaos in motherhood and creativity
REFERENCES:
• The Bible Project's Ancient Cosmology podcast series, Heaven and Earth classroom series (for a quick visual, take a look at the "heaven and earth" theme video available on YouTube)
• John Walton's "The Lost World of Genesis One"
• Robin Parry's "The Biblical Cosmos"
