The Genesis

<p><strong>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. </strong></p><p>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.</p><p>The positions include: </p><ul><li><strong>Theological History</strong>(Genesis can be taken seriously as both history and theology) - defended by James K. Hoffmeier.</li><li><strong>Proto-History</strong> (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.</li><li><strong>Ancient Historiography</strong> (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. </li></ul><p>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. </p><p>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.</p>