Reading Genesis 1:1–2:3 and Genesis 2:4–25 As Complementary, Not Contradictory
Critics sometimes assert that Genesis 1:1–2:3 and 2:4–25 present two separate creation accounts and that they contradict in relation to (a) the divine name and (b) the timing of the creation of plants, animals, and humans. Specifically, Genesis 1:1–2:3 refers to “God” and presents the creation of plants, then animals, then humans, whereas Genesis 2:4–25 refers to the “LORD God” and presents the creation of Adam, then plants, then...
Dominion and Care: Industrial Farms and Animal Welfare
by Brandon K. Presley On May 11, 2023, the Supreme Court issued a ruling that many may have overlooked. It did not address abortion, sexuality and gender, gun rights, or any of the other “hot button” social issues that we are accustomed to seeing on our televisions or social media feeds; instead, this ruling deals with a law aimed at bolstering animal welfare. In a close vote that did not fall along traditional ideological lines, the...
A Chapter from the Book of Nature
Last spring, the trustees of my church decided the bushes in front of the parsonage we call home had overstayed their welcome. Over several days various men dug and tugged and clipped until the bushes were gone. In their wake was a sullen strip of dry dirt. It called to me like Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree. I knew it just needed a little love and it would be as good as new. Although I had a baby on the way and knew I would not have...
Book Review: Retrieving Augustine’s Doctrine of Creation: Ancient Wisdom for Current Controversy
Two seemingly distinct areas in theological studies have enjoyed renewed interest in recent years. A variety of authors have emphasized both the doctrine of creation and the method of theological retrieval. Each area is rich for theological discovery and construction. While some have recently sought to apply theological retrieval specifically to the doctrine of creation, fewer have looked to the early church fathers.[1] Thankfully,...
Christ’s Work in Housework
I knew even from childhood that I wanted to be a mom; a stay-at-home mom; a homeschooling-stay-at-home mom. I knew that was an important job. After all, children are people! I wanted to be there for all the important moments of the little people’s lives, helping to shape them. However, what I never would have said I wanted to “grow up to be” is a homemaker. Now, I know that homemaking tends to come with the territory of childrearing....
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