logo
Science, Creation and the Bible: Reconciling Rival Theories of Origins, By Richard F. Carlson and Tremper Longman III alt

Science, Creation and the Bible

Reconciling Rival Theories of Origins

by Richard F. Carlson and Tremper Longman III

Science, Creation and the Bible
Ebook
  • Length: 144 pages
  • Published: September 07, 2010
  • Imprint: IVP Academic
  • ISBN: 9780830868155

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

  • how theology and science differ, andwhat they both contribute
  • what the key biblical passages actually say
  • how the ancient Hebrews themselves understood the meaning of Genesis 1--2
  • how the rest of Scripture helps us understand these passages
  • what we can gain from science and what its limits are
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.

REVIEWS

"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 uniqueperspectives 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 bookis 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 creationstories in the Old Testament precludes the acceptance of contemporary science. I recommend it highly."
Nancey Murphy, professor of Christian philosophy, Fuller Theological Seminary
More
Request an Exam or Desk Copy

CONTENTS

Acknowledgements
Introduction
1 Theological and Scientific Sources and Their Interpretation
2 Characteristics of Theology and Science Relevant to the Conflict
3 Biblical Interpretation--A Key Element in Resolving the Creation-Evolution Conflict
4 Creation in the Old Testament
5 Creation in the New Testament
6 Genesis 1--2:3 and Genesis 2:25
7 Genesis 1 and 2 as a Worldview Statement of the Ancient People of Israel

Subject Index
ScriptureIndex

More

You May Also Like

The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament, By Sandra L. Richter alt
The Epic of Eden
Dwelling in Christ: Discover the Threefold Path of Spiritual Transformation, By Jonathan R. Bailey alt
Dwelling in Christ
What Hath Justice to Do with Righteousness?: Reclaiming the Intersection of Protest and Prayer, By Charlie E Dates alt
What Hath Justice to Do with Righteousness?
Resisting Therapy Culture: The Dangers of Pop Psychology and How the Church Can Respond, By Matthew Loftus alt
Resisting Therapy Culture
Theology for Better Counseling: Trinitarian Reflections for Healing and Formation, By Virginia Todd Holeman alt
Theology for Better Counseling
alt
Doing Something New
The Way of the Spirit: Recognizing and Responding to God’s Subtle Movements, By Jeremy Daniel Sims alt
The Way of the Spirit
All Your Life: What It Really Means to Live for Jesus, By Lina AbuJamra alt
All Your Life
We Believe in the Holy Spirit, By Joel C. Elowsky alt
We Believe in the Holy Spirit
Shame Redeemed: Learning to Live in Christ's Freedom, By Toni Huang Kim alt
Shame Redeemed

ABOUT Richard F. Carlson

Richard F. Carlson

Richard F. Carlson (Ph.D., University of Minnesota) is research professor of physics at the University of Redlands in Redlands, California, and formerly a visiting scientist in the department of radiation sciences at Uppsala University in Sweden. Carlson has published more than fifty articles in physics research journals and is the general editor of Science Christianity: Four Views.

ABOUT Tremper Longman III

Tremper Longman III

Tremper Longman III (PhD, Yale University) is Distinguished Scholar and Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. He is the author or coauthor of over thirty books, including How to Read the Psalms, How to Read Proverbs, Literary Approaches to Biblical Interpretation, and Old Testament Essentials.

Related Titles