Die Erschaffung der Tiere (Gen 1,20‒25) in der Interpretation von Origenes und Augustinus

Abstract

Early Christian scriptural interpretations are answers to various enquiries concerning the Bible. Origen and Augustine deal with such challenges to the biblical creation account in rather different ways: Whereas Origen resorts to allegorical interpretation Augustine’s intention is an explanation ad litteram. Their respective interpretations of the creation of the animals according to Gen 1 shows very well the discourses which form their readings of the Bible. Yet, they also imply different consequences for the relationship between humans and animals and even for (theological) anthropology.