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Genesis for todayFoundationsGENESIS FOR TODAY Andy McIntosh is a scientist - a lecturer in Combustion Theory at Leeds University, and a believer in the literal Genesis account of creation in six days (and a young earth). In the opening chapters of this book, he shows that creationism is both reasonable and persuasive, and the attempts of modern scientists to suggest that 'the watch made itself' fly in the face of the evidence. McIntosh also laments the efforts of Christian scholars (including evangelicals) to harmonise Genesis with evolution and dismiss the historicity of the creation account. He examines the creation story and shows it is to be read literally; other parts of Scripture clearly understand it as such. Genealogies are also to be read literally, and McIntosh suggests that none of this is contradicted by scientific evidence. In three appendices the scientific data is summarised, including the disciplines of astronomy (age of the stars), biochemistry, and the fossil record. Having devoted more than half the book to the historicity of Genesis, the author then goes on to show the relevance of the Creation/Evolution debate to today's society. McIntosh shows how Genesis and the creation account provide the foundation of a proper understanding of marriage, family life and Sabbath, which apply not only to the church but the whole nation. There are also the first promises of the Gospel, and hope of the Saviour. The author is therefore convinced that creation should be at the heart of our Christian witness, and is unafraid to proclaim six-day creation to non-Christians. A book so ambitious in such short compass is inevitably something of a whistle-stop tour. Readers may not agree with every detail of scriptural interpretation or application. Nevertheless, overall this little book is helpful and edifying, and is a useful little summary of material reminding us of the foundational importance of the creation account. Bill James© Evangelicals Now - June 2001 |