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.

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.

Prologue Introduction Proposition 1: Genesis One Is Ancient Cosmology Proposition 2: Ancient Cosmology Is Function Oriented Proposition 3:"Create" (Hebrewbara') Concerns Functions Proposition 4: The Beginning State in Genesis One is Non-Functional Proposition 5: Days One Through Three in Genesis 1 Establish Functions Proposition 6: Days Four Through Six in Genesis 1 Install Functionaries Proposition 7: Divine Rest Is In a Temple Proposition 8: The Cosmos Is a Temple Proposition 9: The Seven Days of Genesis 1 Relate to the Cosmic Temple Inauguration Proposition 10: The Seven Days of Genesis 1 Do Not Concern Material Origins Proposition 11:"Functional Cosmic Temple" Offers Face-Value Exegesis Proposition 12: Other Theories of Genesis 1 Either Go Too Far or Not Far Enough Proposition 13: The Difference Between Origin Accounts in Science and Scripture is Metaphysical in Nature Proposition 14: God's Roles as Creator and Sustainer are Less Different Than We Have Thought Proposition 15: Current Debate About Intelligent Design Ultimately Concerns Purpose Proposition 16: Scientifice Explanations of Origins Can Be Veiwed in Light of Purpose, and If So, Are Unobjectionable Proposition 17: Resulting Theology in This View of Genesis 1 Is Stronger, Not Weaker Proposition 18: Public Science Education Should Be Neutral Regarding Purpose Summary and Conclusions FAQs Notes Index