Genesis: History, Fiction, or Neither?

Genesis: History, Fiction, or Neither? PDF Author: James K. Hoffmeier
Publisher: Zondervan Academic
ISBN: 0310514959
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 174

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Book Description
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.

Genesis: History, Fiction, or Neither?

Genesis: History, Fiction, or Neither? PDF Author: James K. Hoffmeier
Publisher: Zondervan Academic
ISBN: 0310514959
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 174

Get Book

Book Description
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
ISBN: 0310499283
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 288

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Book Description
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.

Genesis

Genesis PDF Author: Charles Halton
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Biblia
Languages : en
Pages : 173

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Book Description


Three Views on Creation and Evolution

Three Views on Creation and Evolution PDF Author: Zondervan,
Publisher: Zondervan Academic
ISBN: 0310873983
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 486

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Book Description
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.

Rediscovering Genesis

Rediscovering Genesis PDF Author: Gerald Ostroot
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
ISBN: 1441589880
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 189

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Book Description
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
ISBN: 1598568884
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 263

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Book Description
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.

Four Views on Divine Providence

Four Views on Divine Providence PDF Author: Paul Kjoss Helseth
Publisher: Zondervan
ISBN: 0310325129
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 274

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Book Description
Questions about divine providence have preoccupied Christians for generations: Are people elected to salvation? For whom did Jesus die? This book introduces readers to four prevailing views on divine providence, with particular attention to the question of who Jesus died to save (the extent of the atonement) and if or how God determines who will be saved (predestination). But this book does not merely answer readers' questions. Four Views on Divine Providence helps readers think theologically about all the issues involved in exploring this doctrine. The point-counterpoint format reveals the assumptions and considerations that drive equally learned and sincere theologians to sharp disagreement. It unearths the genuinely decisive issues beneath an often superficial debate. Volume contributors are Paul Helseth (God causes every creaturely event that occurs); William Lane Craig (through his 'middle knowledge, ' God controls the course of worldly affairs without predetermining any creatures' free decisions); Ron Highfield (God controls creatures by liberating their decision-making); and Gregory Boyd (human decisions can be free only if God neither determines nor knows what they will be). Introductory and closing essays by Dennis Jowers give relevant background and guide readers toward their own informed beliefs about divine providence.

Four Views on Moving beyond the Bible to Theology

Four Views on Moving beyond the Bible to Theology PDF Author: Zondervan,
Publisher: Zondervan Academic
ISBN: 0310302498
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 386

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Book Description
Learn to identify, evaluate, and refine your approach to forming theological conclusions based on the biblical text. The Bible has long served as the standard for Christian practice, yet believers still disagree on how biblical passages should be interpreted and applied. Only when readers fully understand the constructs that inform their process of moving from Scripture to theology--and those of others--can Christians fully evaluate teachings that claim to be "biblical." In this book--part of the Counterpoints series--scholars who affirm an inspired Bible, relevant and authoritative for every era, present models they consider most faithful to Scripture Walter C. Kaiser, Jr.: Principlizing Model Daniel M. Doriani: Redemptive-Historical Model Kevin J. Vanhoozer: Drama-of-Redemption Model William J. Webb: Redemptive-Movement Model Each position receives critiques from the proponents of the other views. Moreover, due to the far-reaching implications this topic holds for biblical studies, theology, and church teaching, this book includes three additional reflections by Christopher J. H. Wright, Mark L. Strauss, and Al Wolters on the theological and practical interpretation of biblical texts. 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.

Against the Gods

Against the Gods PDF Author: John D. Currid
Publisher: Crossway
ISBN: 1433531836
Category : Bible
Languages : en
Pages : 162

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Book Description
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.

A Biblical History of Israel

A Biblical History of Israel PDF Author: Iain William Provan
Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press
ISBN: 9780664220907
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 448

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Book Description
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.