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

John H. Walton

Jul 2010 · The Lost World Series Book 2 · InterVarsity Press

About this ebook

In 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.

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.

Ratings and reviews

I read the free sample and its so biased, silly and often plain false that i find myself wondering if the book werent just created to support a preconsived opinion. The very first sentence in the bible shows profound knowledge... The universe had...a beginning. The author John is so bussy clapping himself on the shoulder that he misses this and almost everything else. This book is not wort anyones time nor money.

John Walton looks at the Bible in the original language and in the light of the culture of the time. What he discovers is a fresh reading of the first couple of chapter of the Bible which makes a lot of sense, yet challenges our assumptions based on our own culture. John Walton uses his understanding of Hebrew and the culture, together with original ideas from people such as Josephus to support his ideas. The result is an understanding which clearly supports the gospel message of the Bible, by affirming God being the creator of the universe. More than that, the universe is His temple. We should submit to His rule.

I never find it incumbent upon myself to completely agree with any presentation in order to entertain for the moment the ideas put for by the author. We should all take every bit of information with a critical eye and hopefully come to some kind of informed idea on what is a more correct interpretation based on the presented argument, as well as prima facie documents (in the case of the biblical scriptures). Having said this, I greatly appreciated this book for the through examination of the ancient near east texts and the possible application to it's neighboring Israelite literature. The evidence is well displayed for an alternate reading of the message behind Genesis 1 and seems to fit very much into the intricacies of the Torah narrative as it carves out a place in the ancient near east which a monotheistic tribal people could thrive in the midst of the multiple cultures of pantheistic warrior clans. In reading it is important to recognize the influence of Israel's neighbors on it.

About the author

John H. Walton (PhD, Hebrew Union College) is professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College and Graduate School. Previously he was professor of Old Testament at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago for twenty years. Some of Walton's books include The Lost World of Adam and Eve, The Lost World of Scripture, The Lost World of Genesis One, Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament, The Essential Bible Companion, The NIV Application Commentary: Genesis and The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament (with Victor Matthews and Mark Chavalas).Walton's ministry experience includes church classes for all age groups, high school Bible studies and adult Sunday school classes, as well as serving as a teacher for "The Bible in 90 Days." John and his wife, Kim, live in Wheaton, Illinois, and have three adult children.