Overview

A careful and unbiased analysis of how thinkers from church history interpreted the creation narrative in Genesis    How literally are we meant to take the creation week of Genesis 1? In this polarizing debate, contemporary interpreters invoke great theologians from history to support their own side, whether that be a young Earth, theistic evolution, or any other view. The problem lies in trying to force ancient authors into contemporary boxes, as Andrew J. Brown shows in this thought-provoking volume. Covering Philo, Basil, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Wesley, and more, Brown carefully interprets great thinkers' readings of Genesis 1 in their intellectual contexts. He then assesses how these authors have been subject to cherry-picking and misappropriation in the trenches of the modern creation debate. By studying the intellectual history of the church in this way--to revisit rather than recruit the ancients--we can enrich our own biblical interpretation. Irenic and magisterial, Brown's guide will interest both scholars of historical theology and anyone invested in the creation debate.

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9780802874597

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Reviews

"""I found Brown's book instructive and informative for evaluating my own use of Christian writers of the past ages as well as providing essential methodological insights for considering how others have employed the traditional Christian authorities in their arguments. We would all do well to sharpen our techniques of historical evaluation under Brown's guidance.""    --John Walton, Wheaton College ""A detailed, careful, and fascinating foray into historical interpretations of Genesis. This is a refreshing book, full of historical rigor in the midst of highly contested debate. The author's concern is for understanding historical authors in their context and appreciating their work for its own merits rather than for polemical purposes. This book is both thorough and thoroughly needed."" --Kirsten Birkett, Theological Consultant to Church Society ""An engaging, well-researched, and comprehensive account of premodern interpretations of the Genesis creation narratives. Brown cautions against the simplistic appropriation of past authorities for present controversies, but his work also nicely demonstrates the ongoing relevance of the rich tradition of patristic, medieval, and early modern exegesis."" --Peter Harrison, University of Queensland"

Author Information

Andrew J. Brown is Old Testament Lecturer at the Melbourne School of Theology. He is the author of The Days of Creation: A History of Christian Interpretation of Genesis 1:1-2:3.

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