What to do with the creation story found in Genesis 1? It is an ancient text and obviously was not written as a science text. Its placement as the first book of the Bible indicates it is a foundational, sacred text, so reducing it to “metaphor” also seems unsatisfying. Surely, there is deep, profound biblical truth in these texts?
I didn’t have a good answer to that question until I encountered the work of John Walton, biblical scholar and professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College. He points out that the creation stories in Genesis conflict with science only if they make the same claims as science. For Walton, getting at the biblical claim means digging down to what the biblical author originally intended, as understood in his language and culture. In sum, he advocates for the most authentic reading of the Bible—for the original message—and winds up with a faithful reading that, as a byproduct, makes reconciliation with science possible.
In “Interpreting the Creation Story” (published by Seedbed), Walton likens the difference between the scientific and biblical origins accounts to the difference between a “house story” and a “home story.” Science tells us how our earthly house was built; Genesis tells us how God made it a sacred space, a home, where he would dwell with us.
“Interpreting the Creation Story” is part of the Seven Minute Seminary, so it is as quick and efficient as it is helpful. Click here to watch John Walton’s “Interpreting the Creation Story” published by Seedbed.
