The question of origins remains a stumbling block for many. But just as the Psalmist gained insight into God's character through the observation of nature, modern scientific study can deepen and enrich our vision of the Creator and our place in his creation. In this often contentious field Bishop, Funck, Lewis, Moshier, and Walton serve as our able guides. Based on over two decades of teaching origins together in the classroom, the authors present a textbook exploring mainstream scientific theories of origins in astronomy, cosmology, chemistry, geology, biology, physical anthropology, and genetics. While many authors engage origins from a Christian perspective, this is the first work offering a full-fledged discussion of the scientific narrative of origins from the Big Bang through humankind, from biblical and theological perspectives accessible to a lay audience. Topics include
– Principles of biblical interpretation
– Close readings of relevant Genesis texts
– A comprehensive Trinitarian doctrine of creation
– Cosmic origins
– The geologic history of Earth
– The origin of life on Earth
– The origin of species and diversity of life
– Human origins
– New creation and creation care
– Science education Rather than the familiar scenario where science and faith compete, this book seeks to diffuse tensions by taking the inspiration and authority of the Bible seriously while respecting and honoring God's revelation through creation. Understanding Scientific Theories of Origins gives the reader a detailed picture of the sciences of origins along with how they fit into the story of God's creative and redemptive action.
Bio Logos Books on Science and Christianity invite us to see the harmony between the sciences and biblical faith on issues including cosmology, biology, paleontology, evolution, human origins, the environment, and more.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
List of Figures
List of Tables
List of Sidebars
Abbreviations
Introduction
Part One: Getting Started on the Journey
1. Principles and Methods of Biblical Interpretation
2. A Comprehensive Doctrine of Creation and Implications for Scientific Study
3. Knowledge and Faith in Pursuing Origins Questions
4. Creation Through the Lenses of Science and Theology
Part Two: Cosmic Origins
5. Cosmic Origins: Genesis 1:1–2:4
6. Electromagnetic Radiation and the Scale of the Universe
7. The Expanding Universe
8. The Big Bang Model and Contemporary Cosmology
9. Lives and Deaths of Stars and Fine-Tuning
10. Biblical and Theological Perspectives on the Origins of the Universe
Part Three: Origin and Geologic History of Earth
11. Origin of the Earth and Solar System
12. Historical Roots of Geology: Catastrophism and Uniformitarianism
13. The Genesis Flood
14. The Rock Cycle and Timescales of Geologic Processes
15. Rocks of Ages: Measuring Geologic Time
16. Plate Tectonics: A Theory for How the Earth Works
17. Reading Earth’s History in Rocks and Fossils
18. Biblical and Theological Perspectives on Earth History
Part Four: Origin of Life on Earth
19. From Spontaneous Generation to Abiogenesis
20. Prebiotic Chemistry: Preparing the Primordial Soup
21. Biological Information: Proteins and Nucleic Acids
22. Alternative Scenarios for Life’s Origin
23. Biblical and Theological Perspectives on the Origin of Life
Part Five: Origin of Species and Diversity of Life
24. Development of the Theory of Evolution
25. The Modern Synthesis of Evolution
26. Exploring the Evidence about Evolution: Phylogeny and Fossils
27. Development of an Extended Synthesis of Evolution
28. Biblical and Theological Perspectives on the Origin of the Diversity of Life
Part Six: Human Origins
29. Human Origins: Genesis 2–3
30. Human Origins: Evidence from Physical Anthropology
31. Human Origins: Genomic Evidence
32. Biblical and Theological Perspectives on the Image of God
Part Seven: Concluding Postscript
33. Biblical and Theological Perspectives on New Creation, Creation Care, and Science Education
Glossary
Image Credits
General Index
Scripture Index
Über den Autor
John H. Walton (Ph D, Hebrew Union College) is professor of Old Testament, emeritus, at Wheaton College and Graduate School. His many books include The Lost World of Genesis One and Wisdom for Faithful Reading.