Gregg Davidson - The Manifold Beauty of Genesis One: A Multi-Layered Approach

The authors of this book contend that while it is sometimes helpful to explore competing views on a particular topic, there is also value in appreciating complementary models to gain an appreciation of a variety of productive vantage points. They serve readers well by presenting a collaboration of perspectives that together unpack an understanding of Genesis One that is more robust than any single approach can achieve. Their clear writing and their literary, cultural, and theological sensitivity provide a multidimensional expansion of interpretative insights that not only enrich our view of the creation narrative but suggest ways that we can finally move beyond some of the persistent squabbles that have divided Christians.

John Walton,
Professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College,
author of The Lost World of Genesis One

In The Manifold Beauty of Genesis One, Davidson and Turner persuasively describe the literary beauty and rich theological message of the opening chapter of the Bible. Genesis One proclaims that God created everything, but its message goes much deeper and further in scope. Davidson and Turner masterfully unpack Genesis One to reveal seven interlacing and complementary layers of meaning. This book is a must-read for everyone who wants to know Scripture, and therefore God, better.

Tremper Longman, III,
Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies,
Westmont College

In The Manifold Beauty of Genesis One, Gregg Davidson and Kenneth Turner attempt what rarely occurs in biblical studies. Instead of devoting their energies to debunking interpretations of Genesis One with which they disagree, and then triumphally claiming the higher ground, they seek to capitalize on the strengths of divergent points of view to create a more colorful, variegated, and nuanced understanding. Approaching the biblical creation account from a thoroughly orthodox and evangelical perspective, they offer guidance in both substance and tone for pastors and lay readers. Some may not agree with some of their interpretations, but all should welcome this invitation to conversation and reflection on a rich text that has engaged scholars and ordinary people for thousands of years.

Daniel Block,
Professor Emeritus of Old Testament, Wheaton College

What a friendly and helpful book Gregg Davidson and Kenneth Turner have given us! With a clear commitment to Scripture, solid knowledge of their subject, and a gentle manner, they have offered us many ways to enrich our understanding of Genesis One and to quell our fears of its conflict with science. They handle objections thoughtfully and persuasively, and they even provide discussion questions after each chapter. This should serve the church well.

C. John Collins,
Professor of Old Testament,
Covenant Theological Seminary

Gregg Davidson and Kenneth Turner have written a superb book devoted to understanding the riches and beauty of Genesis One and its wide-ranging implications. They show how this opening and foundational chapter to Scripture is richly textured, multi-layered, and theologically robust. It is a feast for mind and heart!

Paul Copan,
Professor of Philosophy and Ethics (Pledger Family Chair),
Palm Beach Atlantic University

This work is an undertaking of monumental implication. This multi-layered approach to interpreting the Bibles creation narrative challenges the reader by painting a picture of Gods creative communication that is greater than merely the sum of existing views, which so often examine only limited aspects of Scripture. The Manifold Beauty of Genesis One offers a fuller appreciation for the God who desires to capture his image-bearers attention and invite them into a deeper devotion. The hopeful result is both a renewed sense of awe for the believer and a more irenic disposition to conversations over science and faith.

Steve Douglas,
Pastor of Groups and Adult Ministries,
The Grove Church, MN

Davidson and Turner have accomplished their aim of demonstrating to the general Christian readerin a clearly written waythe rich tapestry of different meanings inherent in Genesis One. But they have done more. By including many possible understandings, none widely departing from the rule of faith (in Augustines words), they encourage readers to weigh the biblical evidence for themselves as responsible vessels of the Holy Spirit. Along the way, they show how disagreement on interpretation need be no barrier to fellowship in the truth. Furthermore, by setting the creation story in the context of a messianic biblical theology, their book serves as an introduction to understanding the whole Bible message. All in all, this is a significant achievement, and highly recommended for every serious Christian.

Jon Garvey,
author of Gods Good Earth and The Generations of Heaven and Earth

In theological and seminary circles, the creation account of Genesis has been presented and interpreted throughout history in a multitude of ways, each side with their own pros and cons. But what if instead of choosing a side, there existed a rarely acknowledged harmony to those well-published views? The authors of The Manifold Beauty of Genesis One provide a worthwhile volume to scholars and laypeople alike as they engage in such an essential and multifaceted aspect to the Christian faith.

Foster Gullett,
missionary, MTWItaly

The Manifold Beauty of Genesis One gives the reader a concise presentation of where evangelical scholarship is now concerning the opening chapter of the Bible. It presents seven different approaches to interpreting the creation account. This one feature makes the book a worthy purchase. However, Davidson and Turner go beyond merely surveying current interpretations. They show thatlike overlapping tiles of a roofthese approaches collectively serve as complementary themes, which in turn reinforce the unified message of Genesis One.

Ken Keathley,
Senior Professor of Theology,
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

With so many polemical books about the Genesis creation account, the grace you will find in this one is refreshing! Jesus promised that the Spirit would teach the church as a community (John 16:13; the you in that verse is plural). This book models confidence in that promise, bringing together various insights from differing exegetes who share a high view of Scripture. The result is a book that genuinely advances the conversation. But more importantly, it sets a Christlike tone of fraternity that is too often missing from creation debates. May God use this work to enrich the church, as a communion of saints, in their worship of the Creator!

Michael LeFebvre, pastor,
author of The Liturgy of Creation

As a pastor and church planter, many of my conversations with both Christians and non-Christians inevitably turn to the Genesis creation story. With so many perspectives and interpretations, it can be difficult to know which is the right one. Davidson and Turner free us from this narrow way of thinking, and provide a better way forward. They help us to see that the different perspectives on the Genesis story arent competing with each other, rather they are part of a rich multi-layered understanding of God and his creation. This book is an invaluable tool for pastors and ministry professionals. It helps us to better understand the Genesis story, and explain it to others. Comprehensive and illuminating, this book belongs in every pastors and churchs library.

Mario Russo,
pastor, church planter in Germany

In contrast to singular and contentious readings of the creation accounts in Genesis 1 and 2, here is a book that explores multiple levels of meaning in these inexhaustible texts. Drawing on ancient Christian commentary and more recent exegetical studies, Davidson and Turner exhibit the theological richness of Genesis 1 and 2. In the process they illustrate the deep connection between creation and the entire drama of Scripture, while inspiring the reader to celebrate the one God who is both Creator and Redeemer.