Summary Of The Lost World Of Genesis One By John Walton
In a sequel to his book The Lost World of Genesis One, author John Walton describes his viewpoint about Genesis in The Lost World of Adam and Eve. Walton believes that Genesis 1-3 concerns theological reading and function, not scientific reading. This controversial topic will be discussed, starting with how the book explains this claim, as well as with the benefits and pitfalls of the viewpoint while finishing off with a response on the ramifications for the Christian community on this interpretation.
Walton begins the book with the issue between the scientific community and church regarding the contemporary scientific theories. He views them as being far too controversial, thus alienating those who want to believe in both Scripture and scientific theory (Walton, 13). Christians should not focus …show more content…
Instead, it was up to the God’s stewards on earth (humans) to define that role (Walton, 41).
There are a few observations that are unique, but may be quite plausible. The ocean and all of the creatures in it are not considered to be “good” because there becomes no order established with this ecosystem (Walton, 55-57). The uses of Adam throughout the Bible are not entirely referring to one man, but are often pointing to all of humanity (Walton, 61). As Paul states, “For as in Adam all die…” (1 Corinthians 15:22). This reinforces that the sin made by Adam leads to all of humanity’s death.
Some of Walton’s claims do not hold up to scrutiny, and undermine his entire argument. While Walton’s purpose of demonstrating that Genesis 1-3 can be read theologically undergirds his entire book, it does not mean that he can extrapolate Biblical verses to fit his worldview. Walton suggests that during creation, the world was not created, but was instead ordered and formed into the universe. Most of creation did not produce any material objects, but those objects were revealed during creation (pg. 43). While it may seem that God ordered the sea and sky
Walton begins the book with the issue between the scientific community and church regarding the contemporary scientific theories. He views them as being far too controversial, thus alienating those who want to believe in both Scripture and scientific theory (Walton, 13). Christians should not focus …show more content…
Instead, it was up to the God’s stewards on earth (humans) to define that role (Walton, 41).
There are a few observations that are unique, but may be quite plausible. The ocean and all of the creatures in it are not considered to be “good” because there becomes no order established with this ecosystem (Walton, 55-57). The uses of Adam throughout the Bible are not entirely referring to one man, but are often pointing to all of humanity (Walton, 61). As Paul states, “For as in Adam all die…” (1 Corinthians 15:22). This reinforces that the sin made by Adam leads to all of humanity’s death.
Some of Walton’s claims do not hold up to scrutiny, and undermine his entire argument. While Walton’s purpose of demonstrating that Genesis 1-3 can be read theologically undergirds his entire book, it does not mean that he can extrapolate Biblical verses to fit his worldview. Walton suggests that during creation, the world was not created, but was instead ordered and formed into the universe. Most of creation did not produce any material objects, but those objects were revealed during creation (pg. 43). While it may seem that God ordered the sea and sky