The Lost World of Genesis One: Ancient Cosmology and the Origins Debate

Name: The Lost World of Genesis One: Ancient Cosmology and the Origins Debate
Brand: IVP Academic
SKU: 837045
Price: 18.55 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.52 (23 reviews)
Author: John H. Walton
ISBN: 9780830837045

By: John H. Walton

Product Description

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Using 18 formal propositions John H. Walton constructs a compelling, provocative and original interpretation of Genesis 1. He argues that Genesis 1 is, as Bruce Waltke states, "a functioning temple where God takes up his residence as his headquarters from which he runs the world" not a description of the material origins of the universe. Additionally, Walton uses his thesis to directly engage the discussion of origins in the public square (schools and public policy) and ongoing academic debates in Science and Theology.

Product Information

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Title: The Lost World of Genesis One: Ancient Cosmology and the Origins Debate
By: John H. Walton
Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 192
Vendor: IVP Academic
Publication Date: 2009

Weight: 8 ounces
ISBN: 0830837043
ISBN-13: 9780830837045
Series: Lost World
Stock No: WW837045

Publisher's Description

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John H. Walton on the Ancient Context and Modern Significance of Genesis One

In The Lost World of Genesis One, John H. Walton proposes a fresh reading of Genesis that remains faithful to the original context and that preserves and enhances the theological vitality of the text. Walton addresses key areas of controversy among Christians, including the relationship between Genesis and modern science, particularly covering discussions of evolution, Intelligent Design, and creationism.

The arguments are made through eighteen propositions, presented succinctly and plainly, designed to be accessible to readers without technical expertise. In this astute mix of cultural critique and biblical studies, thesepropositions support a literary and theological understanding of Genesis 1 within the context of the ancient Near Eastern world and unpack its implications for our modern scientific understanding of origins.

In The Lost World of Genesis One, Walton's thoughtful analysis

unpacks seldom appreciated aspects of the biblical text;
provides thought-provoking ideas for thinking about the Bible, theology, faith and science; and
gives Bible-believing scientists freedom to investigate the question of origins.

Whether you are a student, professor, pastor, or lay reader with an interest in the Intelligent Design and creation-evolution discussions, you'll find that Walton’s well-reasoned propositions in The Lost World of Genesis One provide valuable insights for modern discussions on creation and origins.

About the Series

The books in the Lost World Series follow the pattern set by Bible scholar John H. Walton, bringing a fresh, close reading of the Hebrew text and knowledge of ancient Near Eastern literature to an accessible discussion of the biblical topic at hand using a series of logic-based propositions.

Author Bio

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John H. Walton is professor emeritus of Old Testament at Wheaton College and Graduate School. His many books include The Lost World of Genesis One and Wisdom for Faithful Reading.

Endorsements

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This book presents a profoundly important new analysis of the meaning of Genesis. Digging deeply into the original Hebrew language and the culture of the people of Israel in Old Testament times, respected scholar John Walton argues convincingly that Genesis was intended to describe the creation of the functions of the cosmos, not its material nature. In the process, he elevates Scripture to a new level of respectful understanding, and eliminates any conflict between scientific and scriptural descriptions of origins.
-Francis S. Collins,
Head of the Human Genome Project and author of The Language of God

Walton's cosmic temple inauguration view of Genesis 1 is a landmark study in the interpretation of that controversial chapter. On the basis of ancient Near Eastern literatures, a rigorous study of the Hebrew word bara' ('create'), and a cogent and sustained argument, Walton has gifted the church with a fresh interpretation of Genesis 1. His view that the seven days refers to the inauguration of the cosmos as a functioning temple where God takes up his residence as his headquarters from which he runs the world merits reflection by all who love the God of Abraham.
-Bruce Waltke,
Professor of Old Testament, Reformed Theological Seminary

Every theologian, every pastor, every Christian in the natural sciences, indeed, every Christian who loves the Bible must put aside all other reading material this minute and immediately begin to absorb the contents of John Walton's The Lost World of Genesis One. Walton closely examines Genesis 1 in light of ancient Near Eastern literature and offers a compelling case that the creation account is far more concerned with the cosmos being given its functions as God's temple than it is with the manufacture of the material structures of the earth and universe. In the process, he has blown away all the futile attempts to elicit modern science from the first chapter of the Bible.
-Davis A. Young,
Professor Emeritus of Geology, Calvin College, and coauthor of The Bible, Rocks and Time

John Walton offers a compelling and persuasive interpretation of Genesis, one that challenges those who take it as an account of material origins. His excellent book is must-reading for all who are interested in the origins debate.
-Tremper Longman III,
Author of How to Read Genesis, and Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies, Westmont College

Professor Walton seeks to describe clearly and with ruthless honesty the nature and purpose of the biblical text in Genesis that is juxtaposed to the claims of modern science and scientism in the current debate over origins. His work will be welcomed by all those who seek to render to both the Scriptures and modern science the authority appropriate to each--while at the same time avoiding false or unnecessary stands on either side.
-Shirley A. Mullen,
President, Houghton College

John Walton's expertise in the Ancient Near Eastern sources enables him to shed a flood of new and unexpected light on the deeper meaning of Genesis 1. The Creator, Genesis is saying, designed heaven and earth as a great temple with the intention of coming to live in it himself--and the sabbath isn't just a nice break after the work is done, but the moment when he takes up residence in the world he has just made. The implications of this resonate right through the rest of the Bible. This is not just a book to invite 'creationists' to think differently; it is a book to help all Bible students read the whole of Scripture with fresh eyes.
-N. T. Wright,
Bishop of Durham

An interesting read. Well worth putting in church libraries.
-NG,
Church Libraries, Winter 2009-10

It will challenge many to hink about Genesis in the way Christian scholars have been championing for many years now---as an ancient document, speaking to people with an understanding of the world very different from our own. Hopefully, it will open the doors to a conversation that is long overdue.
-Douglas J. Becker,
Themelios, November 2009

Walton [brings] a fresh perspective that enlightens, enriches, and honors the biblical text. . . I recommend the book to anyone interested in the origins question and look forward to seeing how these ideas shape origins discussion of the future.
-Sean M. Cordry,
Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith, September 2010

Editorial Reviews

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"Professor Walton seeks to describe clearly and with ruthless honesty the nature and purpose of the biblical text in Genesis that is juxtaposed to the claims of modern science and scientism in the current debate over origins. His work will be welcomed by all those who seek to render to both the Scriptures and modern science the authority appropriate to each--while at the same time avoiding false or unnecessary stands on either side."

"It will challenge many to think about Genesis in the way Christian scholars have been championing for many years now---as an ancient document, speaking to people with an understanding of the world very different from our own. Hopefully, it will open the doors to a conversation that is long overdue."

"An interesting read. Well worth putting in church libraries."

"John Walton's expertise in the Ancient Near Eastern sources enables him to shed a flood of new and unexpected light on the deeper meaning of Genesis 1. The Creator, Genesis is saying, designed heaven and earth as a great temple with the intentionof coming to live in it himself--and the sabbath isn't just a nice break after the work is done, but the moment when he takes up residence in the world he has just made. The implications of this resonate right through the rest of the Bible. This isnot just a book to invite 'creationists' to think differently; it is a book to help all Bible students read the whole of Scripture with fresh eyes."

"Walton [brings] a fresh perspective that enlightens, enriches, and honors the biblical text. . . I recommend the book to anyone interested in the origins question and look forward to seeing how these ideas shape origins discussion of the future.

"Walton's cosmic temple inauguration view of Genesis 1 is a landmark study in the interpretation of that controversial chapter. On the basis of ancient Near Eastern literatures, a rigorous study of the Hebrew word bara' ('create'), and a cogent and sustained argument, Walton has gifted the church with a fresh interpretation of Genesis 1. His view that the seven days refers to the inauguration of the cosmos as a functioning temple where God takes up his residence as his headquarters from which he runs the world merits reflection by all who love the God of Abraham."

"John Walton offers a compelling and persuasive interpretation of Genesis, one that challenges those who take it as an account of material origins. His excellent book is must-reading for all who are interested in the origins debate."

"This book presents a profoundly important new analysis of the meaning of Genesis. Digging deeply into the original Hebrew language and the culture of the people of Israel in Old Testament times, respected scholar John Walton argues convincingly that Genesis was intended to describe the creation of the functions of the cosmos, not its material nature. In the process, he elevates Scripture to a new level of respectful understanding, and eliminates any conflict between scientific and scriptural descriptions of origins."

"Every theologian, every pastor, every Christian in the natural sciences, indeed, every Christian who loves the Bible must put aside all other reading material this minute and immediately begin to absorb the contents of John Walton's The Lost World of Genesis One. Walton closely examines Genesis 1 in light of ancient Near Eastern literature and offers a compelling case that the creation account is far more concerned with the cosmos being given its functions as God's temple than it is with the manufacture of the material structures of the earth and universe. In the process, he has blown away all the futile attempts to elicit modern science from the first chapter of the Bible."