The Lost World of Genesis One - by John H Walton (Paperback)

About the Book

With an astute mix of cultural critique and biblical scholarship, 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.

Book Synopsis

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, these propositions 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.

Review Quotes

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

--Church Libraries, Winter 2009-10

"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

"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."

--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

"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

About the Author

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