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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\u2019s non-committal stance on evolution is probably a good thing considering his audience. While he emphasizes that he is not \u201cpromoting evolution\u201d (p.165), he also emphasizes that \u201cBiological 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\u201d (p.166). Walton\u2019s final summary and conclusion ends by emphasizing the importance of being open to revise our views and interpretations of Scripture.<\/p>\nI 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<\/i> \u201ccause us to question the intrinsic authority or nature of Scripture\u201d (p.168). But perhaps, given his aims, his wording puts it best after all: it \u201cneed never<\/i>\u201d do so \u2013 although the possibility that it may in some of our cases lead us to do so cannot be entirely excluded.<\/p>\n
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<\/i> a \u201cliteral\u201d understanding of the text. He also answers those who are puzzled that the meaning of God\u2019s word would be so hard to grasp, writing that \u201cGod is not superficial, and we should expect that knowledge of him and his Word would be mined rather than simply absorbed\u201d (p.172).<\/p>\n
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\u2019s contribution is to be greatly appreciated.<\/p>\n
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