The Manifold Beauty of Genesis One - by Gregg Davidson & Kenneth J Turner (Paperback)

About the Book

The first chapter of the Bible's first book lays the foundation for all that follows about who God is and what God is like. Our technology-age fascination with the science of origins, however, can blind us to issues of great importance that don't address our culturally conditioned questions. Instead, Genesis One itself suggests the questions and answers that are most significant to human faith and flourishing. Geologist Gregg Davidson and theologian Ken Turner shine a spotlight on Genesis One as theologically rich literature first and foremost, exploring the layers of meaning that showcase various aspects of God's character: Song, Analogy, Polemic, Covenant, Temple, Calendar, Land. Our very knowledge of God suffers when we fail to appreciate the Bible's ability to convey multilayered truth simultaneously. The Manifold Beauty of Genesis One offers readers the chance to cultivate an openness to Scripture's richness and a deeper faith in the Creator.

Book Synopsis

See and celebrate the multilayered grandeur conveyed by the first chapter of Genesis

The first chapter of the Bible's first book lays the foundation for all that follows about who God is and what God is like. Our technology-age fascination with the science of origins, however, can blind us to issues of great importance that don't address our culturally conditioned questions. Instead, Genesis One itself suggests the questions and answers that are most significant to human faith and flourishing. Geologist Gregg Davidson and theologian Ken Turner shine a spotlight on Genesis One as theologically rich literature first and foremost, exploring the layers of meaning that showcase various aspects of God's character:
- Song
- Analogy
- Polemic
- Covenant
- Temple
- Calendar
- Land

Our very knowledge of God suffers when we fail to appreciate the Bible's ability to convey multilayered truth simultaneously. The Manifold Beauty of Genesis One offers readers the chance to cultivate an openness to Scripture's richness and a deeper faith in the Creator.

Review Quotes

"Gregg Davidson and Kenneth Turner have written a superb book devoted to understanding the riches and beauty of Genesis One and its wide-ranging implications. They show how this opening and foundational chapter to Scripture is richly textured, multi-layered, and theologically robust. It is a feast for mind and heart!"--Paul Copan "Professor of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University" (7/9/2021 12:00:00 AM)

"In The Manifold Beauty of Genesis One, Davidson and Turner persuasively describe the literary beauty and rich theological message of the opening chapter of the Bible. Genesis One proclaims that God created everything, but its message goes much deeper and further in scope. Davidson and Turner masterfully unpack Genesis One to reveal seven interlacing and complementary layers of meaning. This book is a must read for everyone who wants to know Scripture, and therefore God, better."--Tremper Longman, III "Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies, Westmont College" (7/9/2021 12:00:00 AM)

"In The Manifold Beauty of Genesis One, Gregg Davidson and Kenneth Turner attempt what rarely occurs in biblical studies. Instead of devoting their energies to debunking interpretations of Genesis One with which they disagree, and then triumphally claiming the higher ground, they seek to capitalize on the strengths of divergent points of view to create a more colorful, variegated, and nuanced understanding. Approaching the biblical creation account from a thoroughly orthodox and evangelical perspective, they offer guidance in both substance and tone for pastors and lay readers. Some may not agree with some of their interpretations, but all should welcome this invitation to conversation and reflection on a rich text that has engaged scholars and ordinary people for thousands of years."--Daniel Block "Professor Emeritus of Old Testament, Wheaton College" (7/9/2021 12:00:00 AM)

"The authors of this book contend that while it is sometimes helpful to explore competing views on a particular topic, there is also value in appreciating complementary models to gain an appreciation of a variety of productive vantage points. They serve readers well by presenting a collaboration of perspectives that together unpack an understanding of Genesis One that is more robust than any single approach can achieve. Their clear writing and their literary, cultural, and theological sensitivity provide a multi-dimensional expansion of interpretative insights that not only enrich our view of the creation narrative but suggest ways that we can finally move beyond some of the persistent squabbles that have divided Christians."--John Walton "Professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College" (7/9/2021 12:00:00 AM)

"What a friendly and helpful book Gregg Davidson and Kenneth Turner have given us! With a clear commitment to Scripture, solid knowledge of their subject, and a gentle manner, they have offered us many ways to enrich our understanding of Genesis One and to quell our fears of its "conflict with science." They handle objections thoughtfully and persuasively, and they even provide discussion questions after each chapter. This should serve the church well."--C. John Collins "Professor of Old Testament, Covenant Theological Seminary" (7/9/2021 12:00:00 AM)