A note on Walton's Genesis 1 as Ancient Cosmology—February's $1.99 book

It's worth pointing out that Genesis 1 as Ancient Cosmology (Eisenbrauns: 2011) is the more robust academic argument of John Walton's The Lost World of Genesis One (IVP: 2009). The latter book was quite popular a few years ago, but I don't think too many people were aware of the Eisenbrauns volume that followed it. Both are helpful in their own way, but if you are interested in following Walton step by step as he develops his theory on the Genesis creation narrative, Genesis 1 as Ancient Cosmology fulfills that need aptly.

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Bruce Dunning

Both are helpful in their own way

Since I already have the 2011 edition could you please why the 2009 version might be worth the purchase?

Matthew Miller

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/800296#Comment_800296

Since I already have the 2011 edition could you please why the 2009 version might be worth the purchase?

Bruce, I have two primary reasons:

1. In the IVP volume Walton spends a chunk of time unpacking the implications of his perspective for discussion in the public sphere, including how origins is taught in public schools.
2. The IVP volume distills the data considerably, focusing on the biblical text. While limiting in some ways, it is quite helpful if one is trying to lead an engaged discussion about his thesis in a church, small group, or Bible study context.

Bruce Dunning

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/800298#Comment_800298

I have two primary reasons

Thanks, that is helpful Matthew.

Ben

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/800299#Comment_800299

He also spends more time spelling out implications for the creation/evolution debate in the public sphere and a hypothetical Q&A.

Veli Voipio

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/800318#Comment_800318

Good to know, I have to consider this deal. My friends like this kind of academic discussion and I appreciate Walton's views. I've been many years in Africa and I think that long time ago people just thought that when the flood is over, the land is created, and when the clouds disappear, the heavens are created. But in a Western context I need to talk about cosmology to be on the same level as others [H]