Many Christians are torn between their belief in the Bible and the conclusions of science. This is especially the case concerning the creation narratives of Scripture and the rather different stories that science tells. Physicist Richard Carlson and biblical scholar Tremper Longman address the longstanding problem of how to relate scientific description of the beginnings of the universe with the biblical creation passages found in Genesis chapters 1 and 2. Experts in their respective fields, these two authors provide a way to resolve the seeming conflicting descriptions by showing the meaning of the biblical texts as well as the meaning of scientific description. In the process they will uncover Properly interpreting the biblical texts and clearly identifying the nature of scientific claims are key. With those in hand we can see how Christian revelation and scientific findings about the origin of the universe are not in opposition but rather work in partnership with each other.
Science, Creation and the Bible
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"Readers struggling with evolution will find this discussion by Carlson and Longman most helpful. The authors combine a robust respect for science in all its manifestations with a high view of Scripture. The result is a solid argument that there need be no conflict between the biblical and scientific accounts of our origins." (Karl Giberson, author of Saving Darwin: How to Be a Christian and Believe in Evolution and senior fellow, The BioLogos Foundation)
"Carlson and Longman argue clearly and patiently for a truce in the war between science and Christianity. When taken together, they give a more complete picture of the human drama, and they can be brought together if we learn to respect the unique perspectives they each bring to the conversation. The authors guide readers in just such a quest by outlining some important principles of biblical interpretation, the nature of scientific and theological knowledge, and most importantly a faithful and contextual reading of the all-important creation stories of Genesis. This book is an excellent and irenic introduction to a timely topic where cool heads and broad learning are greatly needed." (Peter Enns, Senior Fellow, biblical studies, The BioLogos Foundation)
"There are a number of good books available on reconciling science and Christian theology, particularly creation and evolution. The value of such books to various audiences depends, of course, on some shared assumptions. Carlson and Longman's book is especially important for anyone who perceives conflict between evolutionary theory and Scripture. While sharing a commitment to scriptural infallibility and a generally literalist reading, they nonetheless show that none of the multiple creation stories in the Old Testament precludes the acceptance of contemporary science. I recommend it highly." (Nancey Murphy, professor of Christian philosophy, Fuller Theological Seminary)
"Carlson and Longman argue clearly and patiently for a truce in the war between science and Christianity. When taken together, they give a more complete picture of the human drama, and they can be brought together if we learn to respect the unique perspectives they each bring to the conversation. The authors guide readers in just such a quest by outlining some important principles of biblical interpretation, the nature of scientific and theological knowledge, and most importantly a faithful and contextual reading of the all-important creation stories of Genesis. This book is an excellent and irenic introduction to a timely topic where cool heads and broad learning are greatly needed." (Peter Enns, Senior Fellow, biblical studies, The BioLogos Foundation)
"There are a number of good books available on reconciling science and Christian theology, particularly creation and evolution. The value of such books to various audiences depends, of course, on some shared assumptions. Carlson and Longman's book is especially important for anyone who perceives conflict between evolutionary theory and Scripture. While sharing a commitment to scriptural infallibility and a generally literalist reading, they nonetheless show that none of the multiple creation stories in the Old Testament precludes the acceptance of contemporary science. I recommend it highly." (Nancey Murphy, professor of Christian philosophy, Fuller Theological Seminary)
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20 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
The focus of this book is on how to interpret the creation narratives in Genesis 1 and Genesis 2, leading to the goal of "resolving the creation-evolution conflict" (p. 72). Chapters 1 & 2 are good brief introductions to the problems of reconciling the Bible and science. Chapter 3 on biblical interpretation presents a good introduction to hermeneutics and myth and ends with quotations from and a discussion of Peter Enns' book "Inspiration and Incarnation: Evangelicals and the Problem of the Old Testament." Chapters 4 & 5 present and discuss creation narratives other than Genesis 1 & 2 in the Old and New Testaments, although it is not clear how these add much to the stated purpose of the book. On the other hand, Chapter 6 contains one of the best discussions of the similarities and differences of the Genesis 1 and Genesis 2 creations accounts that I have read.
Chapter 7 contains an excellent discussion of the benefits of accepting that Genesis 1 & 2 should not be read literally because there are simply too many differences between them. Once we get beyond reading Genesis 1 & 2 literally, we can then consider the worldview questions and answers that Genesis 1 & 2 do give us: (1) How is it that things exist? (2) Who are we? (3) What does God think of us and the rest of that which exists?, and (4) What are we to do? This then provides rapprochement between science and Christian faith, opens doors for presenting the gospel message to our educated friends, and allows us to celebrate scientific progress in biology, geology and cosmology as encouraging signs of God's wisdom, power, care and faithfulness in his creation.
Although the authors have done an excellent job of discussing how to interpret and understand the Genesis 1 and Genesis 2 creation narratives, which is the necessary first step, it is not at all clear how they have resolved the creation-evolution conflict, since that involves so much more than the age of the universe and the earth. This book does not deal with the theological implications of biological evolution. As the title indicates, it deals only with science, creation and the Bible. I recommend this book for anyone looking for a good, short and well-written introduction to how to read the Genesis 1 and Genesis 2 creation narratives.
Chapter 7 contains an excellent discussion of the benefits of accepting that Genesis 1 & 2 should not be read literally because there are simply too many differences between them. Once we get beyond reading Genesis 1 & 2 literally, we can then consider the worldview questions and answers that Genesis 1 & 2 do give us: (1) How is it that things exist? (2) Who are we? (3) What does God think of us and the rest of that which exists?, and (4) What are we to do? This then provides rapprochement between science and Christian faith, opens doors for presenting the gospel message to our educated friends, and allows us to celebrate scientific progress in biology, geology and cosmology as encouraging signs of God's wisdom, power, care and faithfulness in his creation.
Although the authors have done an excellent job of discussing how to interpret and understand the Genesis 1 and Genesis 2 creation narratives, which is the necessary first step, it is not at all clear how they have resolved the creation-evolution conflict, since that involves so much more than the age of the universe and the earth. This book does not deal with the theological implications of biological evolution. As the title indicates, it deals only with science, creation and the Bible. I recommend this book for anyone looking for a good, short and well-written introduction to how to read the Genesis 1 and Genesis 2 creation narratives.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By Austin
Format:Paperback
Trempur Longman III and Richard Carlson make a valiant attempt to reconcile rival theories of origins found in the current science versus faith debate. I waited expectantly and patiently for this work to finally appear. I ended up buying the book at November's ETS meeting and devoured the work once returning home. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. The work does not leave the reader with any sound reconciliation between the two positions. The authors conclude in more or less words that Genesis is old world cosmology that is meaningful yet shouldn't inform the reader of any scientific ontology. Figurative interpretations, because of multiple accounts of creation, is the viable option for interpreting the creation event. After explaining the role of science and theology, the authors seek to define and parameters of each discipline in hopes that readers will seek various "truth" that are presented in each field. Go to science to answer the "how" questions. Go to Scripture for the "why" questions. I appreciate the irenic discussion on the topic. However, the book does not discuss the ramifications of biological evolution and how it affects other doctrines of Scripture. It also fails to adequately assess and discredit the Intelligent Design movement which is very convincing to many evangelicals. The books succumbs to the same fate as Karl Giberson's book Saving Darwin: How to Be a Christian and Believe in Evolution. It does not offer a reconciliation or a sustainable foundation for a belief in the science of evolution with a firm belief in the inerrancy of Scripture. Anyone who is moderately knowable about the material presented in the controversy will find this book lacking. However, it is commendable as a introductory piece of literature to inform the readers of the basics of the war between the two fields of study.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
In their Introduction, Carlson and Longman III note that "Many Christians are torn between their belief in the creation narrative in the Bible and the conclusions of contemporary science, views that seem irreconcilable" (p. 11). The authors then set out to demonstrate that Science and the Christian faith do not have to be or remain enemies.
This thesis is developed through the seven chapters that make up this well-written though short title: Chapter 1: "Theological and Scientific Sources and Their Interpretation." Before mentioning in brief that Genesis 1-11 must be situated within the ancient Near Eastern writings of ancient Israel's neighbors (p. 26), the authors give an orientation of the rise of Creationism and the many competing views as a result of Darwin's The Origin of the Species in 1859. Chapter 2: "Characteristics of Theology and Science Relevant to the Conflict." "Christian theology seeks truth, and like science, wants to offer a truthful understanding of the universe and all that occurs in the universe" (p. 34). The authors also noted that Scripture plays the "primary and indispensable role in theology" (p. 35). They go on to quote both the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy (1978) and the Fuller Theological Seminary statement of faith on Scripture, to affirm the Bible's role in Christian faith and theology. The limitations of both theology and science are duly noted (pp. 45-46). Chapter 3: "Biblical Interpretation: A Key Element in Resolving the Creation-Evolution Conflict." The authors begin the chapter: "This chapter arises from our conviction of the importance of carefully interpreting the Bible nd applying a good interpretive method to biblical passages that address creation" (p. 51). The three main components to contemporary biblical hermeneutics are duly noted and treated: the author--the text--the reader (pp. 53-56). Of special note is the subheading "Genre--A Further Word." Here the authors develop the chapter around the fact that the Bible contains a variety of literary forms, "each chosen carefully by the writer in a way that is consistent with the writer's purpose for a given passage" (p. 57). An effort is made to define "myth" with the help of such noted writers and theologians as C.S. Lewis, J.R. Tolkien, I. Howard Marshal and Grant R. Osborne (pp. 59-68). With the aid of Peter Enns recent Inspiration and Incarnation: Evangelicals and the Problem of the Old Testament, the authors argue for both the inspirational (divine) and incarnational (human) make up of the Bible, with special focus on the literary form of Genesis 1 and 2.
Chapters 4 and 5, "Creation in the Old Testament" and "Creation in the New Testament," respectively, are included to demonstrate how both the Old and New Testament writers used the creation story to serve their theological purposes. It must be noted that these two chapters are inticipation of what the authors will say later about the ancient Hebrews' notion of worldview.
In Chapter 6: "Genesis 1:1-2:3 and Genesis 2:4-25," the authors note that while most focus on Genesis 1 as the biblical account of creation, Genesis 2 must also be factored in, to get "a complete picture of the message of creation in Genesis" (p. 107). Before addressing the similarities and differences in Genesis 1 and 2, the authors note "A simple comparison of the primeval prologue, Genesis 1-11, with other ancient literature reveals that Genesis 1-11, including the two Genesis creation passages, parallels ancient Near Eastern tradition in many ways, whereas the Genesis 12-50 patriarchal narratives and the remainder of the Pentateuch are uniquely Hebrew" (p. 112). Chapter 7: "Genesis 1 and 2 as a Worldview Statement of the Ancient People of Israel." The authors conclude the matter thus: "We have come to the point where we can suggest that Genesis 1 and 2 together constitute a worldview statement of the ancient Hebrew people, and because of the importance of this statement, these accounts are found at the beginning of the Bible... Genesis 1 and 2, in the story beneath the story, work in a complementary fashion in together presenting a coherent worldview of ancient Israel, and this is the primary reason for their being both a part of the Bible and the opening narratives of the Bible" (pp. 134-35).
The book is well-written, at a non-technical level, no doubt with a wider readership in mind. My only drawbacks to date: 1. There's no interaction with say Walton's recent The Lost World of Genesis One, which is preoccupied with the same, as it subtitle makes clear. 2. Still awaiting a clearer definition of "myth" by the authors. And 3. the authors devote about a page commending the New Living Translation.
At any rate, Science, Creation and the Bible by Carlson and Longman III is a solid addition to recent titles in the creation-evolution debate.
This thesis is developed through the seven chapters that make up this well-written though short title: Chapter 1: "Theological and Scientific Sources and Their Interpretation." Before mentioning in brief that Genesis 1-11 must be situated within the ancient Near Eastern writings of ancient Israel's neighbors (p. 26), the authors give an orientation of the rise of Creationism and the many competing views as a result of Darwin's The Origin of the Species in 1859. Chapter 2: "Characteristics of Theology and Science Relevant to the Conflict." "Christian theology seeks truth, and like science, wants to offer a truthful understanding of the universe and all that occurs in the universe" (p. 34). The authors also noted that Scripture plays the "primary and indispensable role in theology" (p. 35). They go on to quote both the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy (1978) and the Fuller Theological Seminary statement of faith on Scripture, to affirm the Bible's role in Christian faith and theology. The limitations of both theology and science are duly noted (pp. 45-46). Chapter 3: "Biblical Interpretation: A Key Element in Resolving the Creation-Evolution Conflict." The authors begin the chapter: "This chapter arises from our conviction of the importance of carefully interpreting the Bible nd applying a good interpretive method to biblical passages that address creation" (p. 51). The three main components to contemporary biblical hermeneutics are duly noted and treated: the author--the text--the reader (pp. 53-56). Of special note is the subheading "Genre--A Further Word." Here the authors develop the chapter around the fact that the Bible contains a variety of literary forms, "each chosen carefully by the writer in a way that is consistent with the writer's purpose for a given passage" (p. 57). An effort is made to define "myth" with the help of such noted writers and theologians as C.S. Lewis, J.R. Tolkien, I. Howard Marshal and Grant R. Osborne (pp. 59-68). With the aid of Peter Enns recent Inspiration and Incarnation: Evangelicals and the Problem of the Old Testament, the authors argue for both the inspirational (divine) and incarnational (human) make up of the Bible, with special focus on the literary form of Genesis 1 and 2.
Chapters 4 and 5, "Creation in the Old Testament" and "Creation in the New Testament," respectively, are included to demonstrate how both the Old and New Testament writers used the creation story to serve their theological purposes. It must be noted that these two chapters are inticipation of what the authors will say later about the ancient Hebrews' notion of worldview.
In Chapter 6: "Genesis 1:1-2:3 and Genesis 2:4-25," the authors note that while most focus on Genesis 1 as the biblical account of creation, Genesis 2 must also be factored in, to get "a complete picture of the message of creation in Genesis" (p. 107). Before addressing the similarities and differences in Genesis 1 and 2, the authors note "A simple comparison of the primeval prologue, Genesis 1-11, with other ancient literature reveals that Genesis 1-11, including the two Genesis creation passages, parallels ancient Near Eastern tradition in many ways, whereas the Genesis 12-50 patriarchal narratives and the remainder of the Pentateuch are uniquely Hebrew" (p. 112). Chapter 7: "Genesis 1 and 2 as a Worldview Statement of the Ancient People of Israel." The authors conclude the matter thus: "We have come to the point where we can suggest that Genesis 1 and 2 together constitute a worldview statement of the ancient Hebrew people, and because of the importance of this statement, these accounts are found at the beginning of the Bible... Genesis 1 and 2, in the story beneath the story, work in a complementary fashion in together presenting a coherent worldview of ancient Israel, and this is the primary reason for their being both a part of the Bible and the opening narratives of the Bible" (pp. 134-35).
The book is well-written, at a non-technical level, no doubt with a wider readership in mind. My only drawbacks to date: 1. There's no interaction with say Walton's recent The Lost World of Genesis One, which is preoccupied with the same, as it subtitle makes clear. 2. Still awaiting a clearer definition of "myth" by the authors. And 3. the authors devote about a page commending the New Living Translation.
At any rate, Science, Creation and the Bible by Carlson and Longman III is a solid addition to recent titles in the creation-evolution debate.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars
Bad Exegesis, but Makes You Think
When I first heard of "Science, Creation and the Bible," I was really excited. Creation theology really interests me, especially in light of the modern views on evolution and the... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Nathan S Humphries
2.0 out of 5 stars
Didn't really tell me anything tha I didn't already know. A lot of it...
I didn't like the book at all. It told me very little that I already know and did not agree with
Published 5 months ago by lander9173
3.0 out of 5 stars
Genesis One: Is There Any "Science" To Be Found?
I have considerable admiration for the writings of Tremper Longman, his commentary on Daniel was truly enjoyable and his Old Testament commentary survey provides a wealth of... Read more
Published 16 months ago by J. Thomas Campbell
4.0 out of 5 stars
Helpful and hopeful discussion
In this brief and general-reader-friendly book, physicist Richard Carlson and Biblical Studies professor Tremper Longman III undertake an attempt at a solution to the perceived... Read more
Published on April 16, 2011 by James Korsmo
4.0 out of 5 stars
Much to benefit from even if you disagree!!!
"Theology and science are each seekers after truth". Richard Carlson and Tremper Longman III offer this simple yet profound statement in the introduction to their book Science,... Read more
Published on March 9, 2011 by Jared Totten
