"Why did the people in Genesis live such long lives?"

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   Jangaplanetposted 14 years ago

   "Why did the people in Genesis live such long lives?"

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   Internetwriter62posted 14 years ago

   Because their genetics were superior due to the fact that they were so close to the first generation so the gene pool had not deterioration to the degree it has today.
   They also had a canopy which offered them an extra layer of protection from the sun. This canopy disappeared due to the flood.  I hope this helps.

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   bibleguyposted 14 years ago

   There are a number of possibilities.  First of all, note when the ages dropped off dramatically - right after Noah and the flood.  The cut in half for Noah's sons, then half for their sons, and then finally the next generation - Abraham - lived close to what we'd consider a normal life.
   It's quite possible that the earth underwent dramatic changes with the flood.  When the skies were opened up, it may have removed a protective barrier which allowed more radiation in.
   Another possibility has to do with atmospheric pressure.  Scientists believe that the atmospheric pressure was about double what it is now.  I don't understand all of the science behind it but greater pressure seems to help with healing.  This is why some people sleep in hyperbaric chambers to recover from an injury.
   The third possibility has to do with genetics.  In short, Noah was the last to have the longevity gene.  His children had it, but only half because they only got it from their father.  The next generation only had one quarter of it.  This would make sense from the ages that I mentioned earler.
   In truth, we can't be certain but any or all of these three are possibilities.

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   SamboRamboposted 14 years ago

   I think they lived long lives because the systems in their bodies that was to keep them alive for eternity died out slowly. In the Garden, their bodies were perfect, and used to taking care of themselves. The vegetables and fruit they ate gave them nutrients that were long-lasting and perfect in their health-providing capacities. Also, they didn't invent preservatives and sweets for quite some time after their sin.  ;-)

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   nightwork4posted 14 years ago

   because it was a book. geez, they could have written anything they wanted. people in there could have had extra arms and people would still believe in it.

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   PatrickKnowposted 14 years ago

   You can find four common answers to this here, using one specific character as an example:
   
   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methuselah#Interpretations
   
   My bet is on a combination of mistranslation and symbolism.

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   dontmakemeoverposted 14 years ago

   Yeah, I hate to be the devil's advocate here (pun intended), but have you considered that they aren't real people, but just a story? Bilbo Baggins lived past his 111 birthday, but no one's asking how he did it.

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   PlanksandNailsposted 14 years ago

   One theory is that the earth's magnetic field is fading.

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   snapcracklepopposted 8 years ago

   They were closer to perfection (See Genesis 5:1-32, and Genesis 9:29)

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