
The Seven Pillars of Creation
The Bible, Science, and the Ecology of Wonder
William P. Brown(Author)
Oxford University Press Inc
Published on 4. March 2010
Book
Hardback
352 pages
978-0-19-973079-7 (ISBN)
Description
In the ongoing clash between scientists and fundamentalists, many people of faith feel that they are forced to choose between evolution and the Bible's story of creation. But as William Brown asks in this stimulating volume, which biblical creation story are we talking about? Indeed, Brown identifies seven different biblical perspectives on creation, and shows how a close reading of the biblical texts brings them to light. As he does so, Brown highlights both the connections and the conflicts between the ancient creation traditions and the natural sciences, arguing for a new way of reading the Bible in the light of current scientific knowledge and with a sensitivity to the needs of the environment. Brown argues that, ideally, both scientific inquiry and theological reflection are driven by a sense of wonder that, in his words, "unites the scientist and the psalmist." Brown's own wonder at the beauty and complexity of the created world is evident throughout this intelligent, well-written, and inspirational book.
Reviews / Votes
What a pleasure to read a book this calm and commanding in place of the usual hysterics about faith and science. It ends with the only call that makes sense in this moment from either source of human wisdom: a call for self-restraint, self-mastery, before we overwhelm the world of beauty and meaning into which we were born. * Bill McKibben, author of Earth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Illustrations
1 black and white line illustrations, 2 tables
Dimensions
Height: 240 mm
Width: 161 mm
Thickness: 24 mm
Weight
696 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-973079-7 (9780199730797)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
02/2010
1st Edition
OUP eBook
€25.49
Available for download

E-Book
02/2010
1st Edition
OUP eBook
€25.49
Available for download
Person
William P. Brown is Professor of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary and the author of several books and numerous articles on the Bible and its interpretation.
Author
Professor of the Old TestamentProfessor of the Old Testament, Columbia Theological Seminary
Content
Seeing the Psalms (9780664225025) Westminster John Knox Press 2002 ; Ecclesiastes: Interpretation, a Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching (9780804231466) ; Westminster John Knox Press 2000 ; The Ethos of the Cosmos (9780802845399) Eermans 1999