Genesis, Science, and the Beginning: Evaluating Interpretations of Genesis One on the Age of the Earth

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. ""With the goal of reconciling widely divergent and often divisive views on the biblical creation account, Ben Smith revives the interpretation of Genesis 1 first proposed by British physicist Alan Hayward. Smith argues for seven consecutive 24-hour days during which God proclaims, in a topical rather than chronological order, what he will do over billions of years to prepare Earth for human existence and redemption."" –Hugh Ross, astronomer, author, pastor, and president of Reasons to Believe ""Will anyone ever show Christianity a way out of our battles over Genesis 1 and 2? It's a crucial question for the sake of our unity and our witness . . . Ben Smith's work in this book is indeed competent, thorough, and above all Scripture-affirming; and he may have also supplied us with that missing final ingredient: a way to interpret the text literally (according to its intended meaning) that resolves any need for controversy or disunity. His work deserves careful review."" –Tom Gilson, author of A Christian Mind ""Ben Smith is committed to digging into Scripture to decipher the truth related to young-Earth vs. old-Earth creation, that today causes a chasm of division in the church and in families. He is passionate about knowing the truth from a literal reading of Scripture, so that the church can be a credible witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Creator."" –Ken Wolgemuth, contributing author to The Grand Canyon: Monument to an Ancient Earth ""Genesis, Science, and the Beginning contributes to the ongoing dialogue and debate over the proper approach to interpreting the biblical account of creation . . . Written in an informal and conversational style for the non-specialist, the book makes a valuable contribution to our understanding of the controversy as it is currently framed . . . This book is not the final word on the controversy, but it moves the debate along and opens up new avenues of thought that all serious students of the Bible and apologetics would benefit from considering. Highly recommended."" –Jefrey D. Breshears, author of Introduction to Bibliology ""Genesis, Science, and the Beginning is a well-researched presentation about the age of the Earth controversy. Chapters two and five are, in themselves, sufficient to allow a person adhering to the 24-hour day interpretation of the days of Genesis to reconcile that view with an old earth and an old universe as evidenced by science."" –Rodney Whitefield, author of Reading Genesis One ""Ben Smith's book Genesis, Science, and the Beginning is a clear and careful look at what the Bible and the book of nature say about creation. It honors both science and scripture and will contribute to the needed dialog about Genesis in today's world. From the introduction onward, I found it very straightforward, open, with proper humility, and excellent clarity."" –Rod Nave, author of HyperPhysics ""Ben's insistence on rightly interpreting the Word of God and being honest with scientific fact brings about a convincing argument that successfully marries true science with the Bible on matters of creation . . . Read this book with an open heart and mind.