Genesis: History, Fiction, or Neither?
Three Views on the Bible’s Earliest Chapters
By Gordon John Wenham, James K. Hoffmeier, Kenton Sparks | Publisher: Zondervan Academic
About the book
The nature of the Genesis narrative has sparked much debate among Christians. This book introduces three predominant interpretive genres and their implications for biblical understanding.
Each contributor identifies their position on the genre or genres of Genesis, chapters 1-11, addresses why their interpretation is respectful of and appropriate to the text, and contributes examples of its application to a variety of passages.
The positions include:
- Theological History(Genesis can be taken seriously as both history and theology) – defended by James K. Hoffmeier.
- Proto-History (the early Genesis narratives consist of a variety of literary genres; which, nonetheless, do not obscure the book's theological teaching) – defended by Gordon J. Wenham.
- Ancient Historiography (an understanding of Genesis that seeks to reconcile the limitations of its human authors with the nature of it being the Word of God) defended by Kenton L. Sparks.
General editor and Old Testament scholar Charles Halton explains the importance of genre and provides historical insight in the introduction and helpful summaries of each position in the conclusion.
In the reader-friendly Counterpoints format, this book helps readers to reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of each view and draw informed conclusions in this much-debated topic.
Editions of Genesis: History, Fiction, or Neither?
- EBook
- ISBN 9780310514954
Read an Excerpt
The nature of the Genesis narrative has sparked much debate among Christians. This book introduces three predominant interpretive genres and their implications for biblical understanding.
Each contributor identifies their position on the genre or genres of Genesis, chapters 1-11, addresses why their interpretation is respectful of and appropriate to the text, and contributes examples of its application to a variety of passages.
The positions include:
- Theological History(Genesis can be taken seriously as both history and theology) – defended by James K. Hoffmeier.
- Proto-History (the early Genesis narratives consist of a variety of literary genres; which, nonetheless, do not obscure the book's theological teaching) – defended by Gordon J. Wenham.
- Ancient Historiography (an understanding of Genesis that seeks to reconcile the limitations of its human authors with the nature of it being the Word of God) defended by Kenton L. Sparks.
General editor and Old Testament scholar Charles Halton explains the importance of genre and provides historical insight in the introduction and helpful summaries of each position in the conclusion.
In the reader-friendly Counterpoints format, this book helps readers to reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of each view and draw informed conclusions in this much-debated topic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Genesis: History, Fiction, or Neither? about?
The nature of the Genesis narrative has sparked much debate among Christians. This book introduces three predominant interpretive genres and their implications for biblical understanding.
Each contributor identifies their position on the genre or genres of Genesis, chapters 1-11, addresses why their interpretation is respectful of and appropriate to the text, and contributes examples of its application to a variety of passages.
The positions include:
- Theological History(Genesis can be taken seriously as both history and theology) – defended by James K. Hoffmeier.
- Proto-History (the early Genesis narratives consist of a variety of literary genres; which, nonetheless, do not obscure the book's theological teaching) – defended by Gordon J. Wenham.
- Ancient Historiography (an understanding of Genesis that seeks to reconcile the limitations of its human authors with the nature of it being the Word of God) defended by Kenton L. Sparks.
General editor and Old Testament scholar Charles Halton explains the importance of genre and provides historical insight in the introduction and helpful summaries of each position in the conclusion.
In the reader-friendly Counterpoints format, this book helps readers to reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of each view and draw informed conclusions in this much-debated topic.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Genesis: History, Fiction, or Neither??
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Aspects of religion > Criticism and exegesis of sacred texts
Where can I read a sample of Genesis: History, Fiction, or Neither??
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780310514954
Is Genesis: History, Fiction, or Neither? part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Counterpoints: Bible and Theology
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Genesis: History, Fiction, or Neither??
Gordon John Wenham, James K. Hoffmeier, Kenton Sparks
Who is the Publisher of the book Genesis: History, Fiction, or Neither??
Zondervan Academic
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Genesis: History, Fiction, or Neither? is available as ebook(ISBN 9780310514954)
Where can I buy Genesis: History, Fiction, or Neither? online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Genesis: History, Fiction, or Neither? from below
Where can I buy Genesis: History, Fiction, or Neither??