Well, caf, of course I believe the sources I cited. The EB, EJ, AB. The fact that Ben considers Asimov 'no Bible scholar' is his own opinion. His (IA's) 'Guide to the Bible' is quite good, tho' admitedly somewhat superficial due to the limitations of size, which were probably imposed by his publisher, and this may be part of the reason why he wrote two additional books on Genesis. I could have checked 5 or 10 additional scholarly sources, all of which would have said pretty much the same things.

Asking me to do personal research on the topic, in a country where books in English, not to mention my time, are severely limited, is rather disingenuous. A choice between the EB-EJ-AB-IA alliance and your prejudices is no choice at all.

I have enjoyed the exchange - I think I'll end it here because 1. we have reached and passed the point of repetition and 2. as you may have noticed, there's a new participant who simply wishes to hurl insults while contributing nothing, which is annoying and, I think, demeans the purpose of the forum.

I will check back from time to time, however, looking for your long-promised tretise on Gen 1 and 2. I can't wait to learn whether God created the animules before Man or vicey versey. You are truly a poster boy for Fundamentalist anti-intellectualism.

'Nevertheless, the Bible presents a consistent account of the character, power, and works of God.' Absolutely, and I'm glad we can end on a point of agreement.