In the Beginning... We Misunderstood

In the Beginning... We Misunderstood
Author: Johnny V. Miller
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Total Pages: 222
Release: 2012
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0825439272

For years, the evangelical church and its members have debated whether the Bible should be interpreted literally or symbolically in regards to the age of the earth. In their groundbreaking new book, In the Beginning . . . We Misunderstood, authors Johnny V. Miller and John M. Soden say that all these arguments have missed the point. Rather, what Christians really need to know is how to interpret the Bible in its original context. Exposing the fallacies of trying to make the biblical text fit a specific scientific presupposition, Miller and Soden offer a new approach to interpreting Genesis 1 that explores the creation account based on how the original audience would have understood its teaching. First, the authors present a clear explanation of the past and present issues in interpreting the first chapter of the Bible. Second, Miller and Soden break down the creation account according to its historical and cultural context by comparing and distinguishing both the Egyptian and Mesopotamian settings. Finally, they explore common objections to help readers understand the significance that the creation account has for theology today. Christians need not look any further than Genesis 1 to find clues to its meaning. Both irenic and bathed in Scripture, In the Beginning . . . We Misunderstood will equip every believer to navigate the creation wars, armed with biblically sound explanations.

The Misunderstood Jew

The Misunderstood Jew
Author: Amy-Jill Levine
Publisher: Harper Collins
Total Pages: 258
Release: 2009-10-13
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0061748110

In the The Misunderstood Jew, scholar Amy-Jill Levine helps Christians and Jews understand the "Jewishness" of Jesus so that their appreciation of him deepens and a greater interfaith dialogue can take place. Levine's humor and informed truth-telling provokes honest conversation and debate about how Christians and Jews should understand Jesus, the New Testament, and each other.

Genesis, Science, and the Beginning

Genesis, Science, and the Beginning
Author: Benjamin D. Smith Jr.
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
Total Pages: 306
Release: 2018-08-29
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1532643330

Christian apologist Ben Smith believes that the creation account in Genesis 1 can be read literally and historically as a real week of seven normal days without contradicting modern astronomy and geology regarding the age of the universe and Earth. Many Christians are divided over how to reconcile Genesis with modern science, and this book evaluates all of the major options, ultimately concluding that the Bible allows for an old universe and Earth in a way that is also scientifically accurate. A former Young Earth creationist, Smith now believes that the age of creation is not specified in the Bible, and therefore scientists are free to answer the question. He believes that Christians should not hide from the controversy over the age of the Earth, but should take a fresh look at the text and be impressed with its accuracy.

How (Not) to Read the Bible

How (Not) to Read the Bible
Author: Dan Kimball
Publisher: Zondervan
Total Pages: 336
Release: 2020-12-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0310113768

Is Reading the Bible the Fastest Way to Lose Your Faith? For centuries, the Bible was called "the Good Book," a moral and religious text that guides us into a relationship with God and shows us the right way to live. Today, however, some people argue the Bible is outdated and harmful, with many Christians unaware of some of the odd and disturbing things the Bible says. Whether you are a Christian, a doubter, or someone exploring the Bible for the first time, bestselling author Dan Kimball guides you step-by-step in how to make sense of these difficult and disturbing Bible passages. Filled with stories, visual illustrations, and memes reflecting popular cultural objections, How (Not) to Read the Bible is a lifeline for individuals who are confused or discouraged with questions about the Bible. It also works great as a small-group study or sermon series.

Can We Believe Genesis in an Age of Science?

Can We Believe Genesis in an Age of Science?
Author: Mark Glaab
Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
Total Pages: 204
Release: 2023-02-10
Genre: Religion
ISBN:

According to many Christian leaders, early Genesis is a myth or allegory. Therefore, Adam and Eve never lived, Eve was never tempted, and Adam never sinned. There was no creation week, so God did not make the earth, the stars, the birds, fish, or the animals. This has become the default position of many Christian teachers, ministries, and campuses. This is not just mainline churches, but evangelicals have joined the ranks of doubters in creation. This is a reaction to the claims of Christians who work in the sciences, claiming that evolution is now an established fact. As a result, creation week is put in the category of myth or allegory, not history. New interpretations of Genesis abound. There is just one problem. This may be how people interpret Scripture, but it is not how Scripture interprets Scripture. Scripture treats Genesis as history. If you are wondering whether Genesis can be interpreted as true history, the struggle is over. Jesus is not just the cornerstone of the church. He is the cornerstone of creation.

Demons

Demons
Author: Michael S. Heiser
Publisher: Lexham Press
Total Pages: 282
Release: 2020-04-29
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1683592905

The truth about demons is far stranger—and even more fascinating—than what's commonly believed. Are demons real? Are they red creatures with goatees holding pitchforks and sitting on people's shoulders while whispering bad things? Did a third of the angels really rebel with Satan? Are demons and "principalities and powers" just terms for the same entities, or are they different members of the kingdom of darkness? Is the world a chaotic mess because of what happened in Eden, or is there more to the story of evil? What people believed about evil spiritual forces in ancient biblical times is often very different than what people have been led to believe about them today. And this ancient worldview is missing from most attempts to treat the topic. In Demons, Michael Heiser debunks popular presuppositions about the very real powers of darkness. Rather than traditions, stories, speculations, or myths, Demons is grounded in what ancient people of both the Old and New Testament eras believed about evil spiritual forces and in what the Bible actually says. You'll come away with a sound, biblical understanding of demons, supernatural rebellion, evil spirits, and spiritual warfare.

Friend of Science, Friend of Faith

Friend of Science, Friend of Faith
Author: Gregg Davidson
Publisher: Kregel Academic
Total Pages: 304
Release: 2019-11-19
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0825445418

A scientist explores the harmony between Christian faith and science Though some Christians and many skeptics see science and Christianity as locked in a never-ending battle, geologist Gregg Davidson contends that there is tremendous harmony between Scripture and modern science. Many apparent conflicts arise when the Bible is interpreted apart from its literary and historical contexts, but when these are taken into account, most alleged clashes resolve. Proceeding from a belief that Scripture is inspired and without error and that God's creation should inform how we interpret the Bible, Davidson shows that Scripture and science need not disagree on issues like the age of the earth, Adam and Eve, Noah's flood, the origin and development of life, and numerous related topics. Rather, Christians can rejoice at how God's glory is revealed in both the Bible and the natural world.

Creation: Myth or Miracle?

Creation: Myth or Miracle?
Author: Dr. Barry A. Bunting
Publisher: WestBow Press
Total Pages: 161
Release: 2019-03-11
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1973653168

The question this work addresses is this: given our current state of knowledge, are any of the major religion’s creation accounts accurate, or are they all myths and fables that don’t hold up to close examination? This work makes three assumptions. Assumption no. 1—If there is a creator and he provided a creation account, then he should be able to get it right. After all, he was supposed to be there! Assumption no. 2—If there is a creator, then one of the four major religions, each of which has survived a thousand years or more, is the most likely place to look for a legitimate creation account, a message from our creator. It is safe to say any creator capable of creating us and the universe we live in should be capable of accurately revealing his existence. Assumption no. 3—If we do find an ancient (pre-science) creation account that makes a substantial number of scientific, factually accurate statements—not just a few lucky guesses—but facts that were unknowable at the time the account was written, then we can reasonably conclude there must be a creator who revealed these facts.

Core Christianity

Core Christianity
Author: Michael Horton
Publisher: Zondervan
Total Pages: 193
Release: 2016-04-05
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0310525071

What beliefs are core to the Christian faith? This book is here to help you understand the reason for your hope as a Christian so that you can see it with fresh sight and invite others into the conversation. A lot of Christians take their story—the narratives that give rise to their beliefs—for granted. They pray, go to church, perhaps even read their Bible. But they might be stuck if a stranger asked them to explain what they believe and why they believe it. Author, pastor, and theologian Mike Horton unpacks the essential and basic beliefs that all Christians share in a way that is easy to understand and applicable to our lives today. And in a way that will make you excited to be a Christian! Core Christianity covers topics like: Jesus as both fully God and fully man. The doctrine of the Trinity. The goodness of God despite a broken world. The ways God speaks. The meaning of salvation. What is the Christian calling? Includes discussion questions for individual or group use. This introduction to the basic doctrines of Christianity is perfect for those who are new to the faith, as well as those who have an interest in deepening their understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.

Searching for Adam

Searching for Adam
Author: Dr. Terry Mortenson
Publisher: New Leaf Publishing Group
Total Pages: 529
Release: 2016-10-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1614580294

Though there are a growing number of books out on Adam, this one is unique with its multi-author combination of biblical, historical, theological, scientific, archaeological, and ethical arguments in support of believing in a literal Adam and the Fall. A growing number of professing evangelical leaders and scholars are doubting or denying a literal Adam and a literal Fall, which thereby undermines the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Last Adam, who came to undo the damaging consequences of Adam’s sin and restore us to a right relationship with our Creator. This book is increase your confidence in the truth of Genesis 1–11 and the gospel! Enhance your understanding pertaining to the biblical evidence for taking Genesis as literal history Discover the scientific evidence from genetics, fossils, and human anatomy for the Bible’s teaching about Adam Understand the moral, spiritual, and gospel reasons why belief in a literal Adam and Fall are essential for Christian orthodoxy