Review of The Lost World Of Genesis One: Conclusion

John H. Walton’s The Lost World of Genesis One: Ancient Cosmology and the Origins Debate provides a very helpful overview of issues related to the study of the creation account in Genesis 1, its historical and cultural background, and its relationship (or lack thereof) to the theory of evolution and modern science education. Walton’s non-committal stance on evolution is probably a good thing considering his audience. While he emphasizes that he is not “promoting evolution” (p.165), he also emphasizes that “Biological evolution is not the enemy of the Bible and theology; it is superfluous to the Bible and theology. The same could be said for the big bang and the fossil record” (p.166). Walton’s final summary and conclusion ends by emphasizing the importance of being open to revise our views and interpretations of Scripture.

I was left, however, with a question after reading his final sentence. While his book has adequately made the case that scientific discoveries may lead us to rethink our views, he gives the impression that we can be sure it will never “cause us to question the intrinsic authority or nature of Scripture” (p.168). But perhaps, given his aims, his wording puts it best after all: it “need never” do so – although the possibility that it may in some of our cases lead us to do so cannot be entirely excluded.

The book concludes with an FAQ, in which, among other things, Walton emphasizes that he is persuaded that his understanding of Genesis 1 in terms of cosmic temple inauguration is a “literal” understanding of the text. He also answers those who are puzzled that the meaning of God’s word would be so hard to grasp, writing that “God is not superficial, and we should expect that knowledge of him and his Word would be mined rather than simply absorbed” (p.172).

On the whole this is an excellent book, which contributes to our understanding of Genesis in a historical contextual manner, as well as to making voices heard within Evangelicalism that are not setting themselves in opposition to mainstream science. For having tackled difficult subjects in a manner that is serious and thoughtful while at the same time readable and accessible, Walton’s contribution is to be greatly appreciated.