LOST
WORLD
OF
GENESIS
ONE
Ancient Cosmology and the Origins Debate
JOHN H. WALTON
Evangelically Rooted. Critically Engaged
P.O. Box 1400, Downers Grove, IL 60515-1426
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©2009 by John H. Walton
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ISBN 978-0-8308-3704-5
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Walton, John H., 1952–
The lost world of Genesis One: ancient cosmology and the origins debate / John H. Walton.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references (p. ) and index.
ISBN 978-0-8308-3704-5 (pbk.: alk paper)
1. Bible. O.T. Genesis I—Criticism, interpretation, etc. 2. Biblical cosmology. 3. Creationism. 4. Cosmogony. I. Title.
BS651.W275 2009
231.7′65—dc22
2009011678
Genesis 1 Is Ancient Cosmology
Ancient Cosmology Is Function Oriented
“Create” (Hebrew bārāʾ) Concerns Functions
The Beginning State in Genesis 1 Is Nonfunctional
Days One to Three in Genesis 1 Establish Functions
Days Four to Six in Genesis 1 Install Functionaries
The Seven Days of Genesis 1 Relate to the Cosmic Temple Inauguration
The Seven Days of Genesis 1 Do Not Concern Material Origins
“Functional Cosmic Temple” Offers Face-Value Exegesis
Other Theories of Genesis 1 Either Go Too Far or Not Far Enough
The Difference Between Origin Accounts in Science and Scripture Is Metaphysical in Nature
God’s Roles as Creator and Sustainer Are Less Different Than We Have Thought
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About The Lost World of Genesis One: Ancient Cosmology and the Origins DebateIn this astute mix of cultural critique and biblical studies, John H. Walton presents and defends twenty propositions supporting a literary and theological understanding of Genesis 1 within the context of the ancient Near Eastern world and unpacks its implications for our modern scientific understanding of origins. Ideal for students, professors, pastors, and lay readers with an interest in the intelligent design controversy and creation-evolution debates, Walton’s thoughtful analysis unpacks seldom appreciated aspects of the biblical text and sets Bible-believing scientists free to investigate the question of origins. |
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