Description
Book SynopsisThe nature of the Genesis narrative has sparked much debate among Christians. This book introduces three predominant interpretive genres and their implications for biblical understanding.
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.
The positions include:
-
Theological History(Genesis can be taken seriously as both history and theology) – defended by James K. Hoffmeier.
-
Proto-History (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.
-
Ancient Historiography (an understanding of Genesis that seeks to reconcile the limitations of its human authors with the
Table of Contents
Introduction 1. What is Genre? 2. The Importance of Genre for Biblical Interpretation 3. Genre and Genesis 1. History of Interpretation from the Patristic Period to the Reformation 2. Rise of Critical Scholarship 3. Discovery of Ancient Near Eastern Parallels 4. Contemporary Interpretations View One: John Oswalt--Theology History View Two: Gordan Wenham--Proto-History View Three: Kenton Sparks--Ancient Historiography Conclusion
