Genesis: History, Fiction, or Neither?

Genesis: History, Fiction, or Neither? PDF

Author: James K. Hoffmeier

Publisher: Zondervan Academic

Published: 2015-05-12

Total Pages: 174

ISBN-13: 0310514959

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The nature of the Genesis narrative has sparked much debate among Christians. This book introduces three predominant interpretive genres and their implications for biblical understanding. Each contributor identifies their position on the genre or genres of Genesis, chapters 1-11, addresses why their interpretation is respectful of and appropriate to the text, and contributes examples of its application to a variety of passages. The positions include: Theological History(Genesis can be taken seriously as both history and theology) – defended by James K. Hoffmeier. Proto-History (the early Genesis narratives consist of a variety of literary genres; which, nonetheless, do not obscure the book's theological teaching) – defended by Gordon J. Wenham. Ancient Historiography (an understanding of Genesis that seeks to reconcile the limitations of its human authors with the nature of it being the Word of God) defended by Kenton L. Sparks. General editor and Old Testament scholar Charles Halton explains the importance of genre and provides historical insight in the introduction and helpful summaries of each position in the conclusion. In the reader-friendly Counterpoints format, this book helps readers to reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of each view and draw informed conclusions in this much-debated topic.

Four Views on the Historical Adam

Four Views on the Historical Adam PDF

Author: Denis Lamoureux

Publisher: Zondervan Academic

Published: 2013-12-10

Total Pages: 288

ISBN-13: 0310499283

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Were the biblical Adam and Eve historical figures, or are the early events described in Genesis primarily symbolic in nature? Behind the debate of a historical Adam is the age-old debate about evolution and the agreement between Scripture and science. With an introduction that outlines the history and main points of every viewpoint from Darwinism to Young Earth Creationism, this book then clearly outlines four primary views on Adam held by evangelical Christians. Contributors include Denis O. Lamoureux, John H. Walton, C. John Collins, and William Barrick. Each focuses his essay on answering the following questions: What is the biblical case for your viewpoint, and how do you reconcile it both with modern science and with passages and potential interpretations that seem to counter it? In what ways is your view more theologically consistent and coherent than other views? What are the implications of your view for the spiritual life and public witness of the church and individual believers, and how is your view a healthier alternative for both? This book allows each contributor to not only present the case for his view, but also to critique and respond to the critiques of the other contributors, allowing you to compare their beliefs in an open forum setting to see where they overlap and where they differ. Concluding reflections by pastor-scholars Gregory A. Boyd and Philip Graham Ryken highlight the significance of the topic in the faith of everyday believers. The Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.

Rediscovering Genesis

Rediscovering Genesis PDF

Author: Gerald Ostroot

Publisher: Xlibris Corporation

Published: 2009-11

Total Pages: 189

ISBN-13: 1441589880

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Rediscovering Genesis is an exciting new look at the evolution/creation controversy. Its author is neither scientist nor theologian so he can present an objective point of view. The premise of the book is that both religion and science describe the same Universe and must be compatible. It accomplishes that goal by exposing the hidden assumptions and self-imposed restriction of both disciplines, and challenging them. It documents the changes needed from both disciplines. The book presents a well researched effort to root out the causes of the evolution/creation controversy and to discovers a solution that includes both disciplines. While the book is aimed at a Christian audience, it has much to offer to the less committed individuals as well. It will be of special interest to those who have been, or are currently being, exposed to the Theory of Evolution in our educational systems. It will be invaluable to the parents of those students. It will serve as a guide to educators. It will be of interest to all that are aware of the present controversy. The book is divided into two parts. The first part looks at the biblical creation account in the first 4 chapters of Genesis. By incorporating our modem knowledge into this account, it becomes compatible with both the scientific account of our beginning and the literal seven days of creation described in the Bible. That is a necessary first step in resolving the controversy between science and religion . Part 1 goes on to bring a new, deeper understanding of our relationship with our Creator. Part two brings us face-to-face with two major roadblocks to accepting a world-view that includes a Creator: (1) the problem of suffering in our world and, (2) the evolution/creation controversy. The first roadblock, the problem of suffering, occurs only in the teaching of Christianity. It occurs because we misunderstand the relationship of the Creator with His creation. Understanding this special relationship starts in Genesis. Misunderstanding and misinformation have marked the second, the evolution/creation controversy, from the very beginning. This book explains the facts that are important for general understanding. It goes on to closely examine the scientific definition of life and shows where it leads . This is also a necessary step in resolving the evolution/science controversy. Throughout the book, the overriding theme is authority and its important function in our lives. It is the common ground where both science and religion can merge. Find out how it can change your world-view and your life.

Reading Genesis 1-2

Reading Genesis 1-2 PDF

Author: Richard Averbeck

Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers

Published: 2013

Total Pages: 263

ISBN-13: 1598568884

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Today's evangelical community faces a multitude of questions about the creation of the cosmos and the beginning of human history, and we look to the Bible for answers. But what do we do with the stories that the book of Genesis presents to us? Reading Genesis 1-2: An Evangelical Conversation brings together the voices of five prominent evangelical scholars who take on the difficult interpretive questions that arise from reading the Bible's first two chapters. Richard Averbeck, Todd Beall, John Collins, Tremper Longman, and John Walton offer their perspectives in a point-counterpoint style. Reviewing and responding to each other's work, they write to honor their fellow thinkers even while they note their differences. United by their dedication to the truth while diverse in their approaches to the text, these scholars present their arguments and address their disagreements with courtesy and sophistication. Drawing on a wealth of theological, linguistic, and historical expertise, this collection is characterized by a close attention to the biblical text and a mutual respect that are often sorely lacking in discussions of origins taking place throughout the evangelical world. Book jacket.

Against the Gods

Against the Gods PDF

Author: John D. Currid

Publisher: Crossway

Published: 2013

Total Pages: 162

ISBN-13: 1433531836

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What is the relationship between the Old Testament and ancient Near Eastern mythology? Currid examines the evidence, arguing that the Old Testament is highly polemical as he stresses differentiation over continuity.

Genesis

Genesis PDF

Author: Guido Tonelli

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Published: 2021-04-13

Total Pages: 240

ISBN-13: 037460049X

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A breakout bestseller in Italy, now available for American readers for the first time, Genesis: The Story of How Everything Began is a short, humanistic tour of the origins of the universe, earth, and life—drawing on the latest discoveries in physics to explain the seven most significant moments in the creation of the cosmos. Curiosity and wonderment about the origins of the universe are at the heart of our experience of the world. From Hesiod’s Chaos, described in his poem about the origins of the Greek gods, Theogony, to today’s mind-bending theories of the multiverse, humans have been consumed by the relentless pursuit of an answer to one awe inspiring question: What exactly happened during those first moments? Guido Tonelli, the acclaimed, award-winning particle physicist and a central figure in the discovery of the Higgs boson (the “God particle”), reveals the extraordinary story of our genesis—from the origins of the universe, to the emergence of life on Earth, to the birth of human language with its power to describe the world. Evoking the seven days of biblical creation, Tonelli takes us on a brisk, lively tour through the evolution of our cosmos and considers the incredible challenges scientists face in exploring its mysteries. Genesis both explains the fundamental physics of our universe and marvels at the profound wonder of our existence.

A Biblical History of Israel

A Biblical History of Israel PDF

Author: Iain William Provan

Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press

Published: 2003-01-01

Total Pages: 448

ISBN-13: 9780664220907

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In this much-anticipated textbook, three respected biblical scholars have written a history of ancient Israel that takes the biblical text seriously as an historical document. While also considering nonbiblical sources and being attentive to what disciplines like archaeology, anthropology, and sociology suggest about the past, the authors do so within the context and paradigm of the Old Testament canon, which is held as the primary document for reconstructing Israel's history. In Part One, the authors set the volume in context and review past and current scholarly debate about learning Israel's history, negating arguments against using the Bible as the central source. In Part Two, they seek to retell the history itself with an eye to all the factors explored in Part One.

Three Views on Creation and Evolution

Three Views on Creation and Evolution PDF

Author: Zondervan,

Publisher: Zondervan Academic

Published: 2010-06-01

Total Pages: 486

ISBN-13: 0310873983

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For Christians, the issues raised by the different views on creation and evolution are challenging. Can a "young earth" be reconciled with a universe that appears to be billions of years old? Does scientific evidence point to a God who designed the universe and life in all its complexity? Three Views on Creation and Evolution deals with these and similar concerns as it looks at three dominant schools of Christian thought. Proponents of young earth creationism, old earth creationism, and theistic evolution each present their different views, tell why the controversy is important, and describe the interplay between their understandings of science and theology. Each view is critiqued by various scholars, and the entire discussion is summarized by Phillip E. Johnson and Richard H. Bube. The Counterpoints series provides a forum for comparison and critique of different views on issues important to Christians. Counterpoints books address two categories: Church Life and Bible and Theology. Complete your library with other books in the Counterpoints series.

Grappling with the Chronology of the Genesis Flood

Grappling with the Chronology of the Genesis Flood PDF

Author: Dr. Andrew A. Snelling

Publisher: New Leaf Publishing Group

Published: 2014-08-04

Total Pages: 828

ISBN-13: 1614583269

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Understand this highly debated flash point for scientific debate, academic criticism, and common confusion with this unique presentation. Delve into the technical aspects of the chronology, historicity, and significance of understanding this landmark event, including what we can learn from the Hebrew words used to describe it. Examine the numerous geological, geophysical, and paleontological indications pointing to the reality and global scope of the Flood. Learn how and why the authors' exhaustive research began, putting forth objectives, criticisms they would address, and identifying obstacles to be resolved. The Flood as described in the Book of Genesis not only shaped the global landscape, it is an event that literally forms our understanding of early biblical history. Now an experienced team of scientists and theologians has written a definitive account of the Genesis Flood with detailed research into the original biblical text and evidences unlocked by modern science and study. Often recounted and discounted as just a myth or children's story, what we find with deeper study is instead a cataclysmic event, one that truly wiped out life on our planet with the exception of those preserved through God's plan. The devastation the Genesis Flood wreaked upon a rebellious world remains an important part of the biblical narrative we should understand for what it was - a divine act of judgment on a sin-immersed world.