“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, Palm Beach Atlantic University

“This work is an undertaking of monumental implication. This multi-layered approach to interpreting the Bible’s creation narrative challenges the reader by painting a picture of God’s 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 reader—in a clearly written way—the 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 Augustine’s 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 God’s Good 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, MTW—Italy

“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 that—like overlapping tiles of a roof—these 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 aren’t 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 pastor’s and church’s 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.”
—J. Richard Middleton
Professor of Biblical Worldview and Exegesis, Northeastern Seminary

“If Scripture is authoritative and inerrant in all that it teaches, how do we make sense of the many conflicting ways that Genesis is understood? Which one of the many readings of Genesis One is correct? To this false choice, Davidson and Turner respond that Genesis is an ancient text, rich with manifold layers of beauty. Many interpretations are, in fact, correct at the same time, each one resonating with a different layer of meaning. Turning from the cacophony of falsely conflicted interpretations, we are invited to worship in a symphony of many interpretations true and held together. The book samples the melodies of seven layers, but we should wonder about and search for layers in Genesis beyond just these. Disagree with the particulars if you must, but—in calling the church to recover the multifaceted beauty of Scripture—this book rightly affirms the diversity of many faithful readings. In reading Genesis together, we find that our diversity is a strength, not a weakness. As declares the Lausanne Covenant, our diversity “[discloses] to the whole Church ever more of the many-colored wisdom of God.”
—S. Joshua Swamidass
Associate Professor of Laboratory and Genomic Medicine, Washington University
author of The Genealogical Adam and Eve

“Davidson and Turner have managed to pull together a most helpful combination of approaches to the reading of Genesis One. They have shown how these approaches collectively contribute to a fuller understanding of its meaning. This approach to the reading of the first chapter of the Bible has tremendous potential for helping us in the ongoing discussion over the relationship between the first chapter of the Bible and modern science. The authors help us see that we can and must allow the Bible its own concerns as we bring it to bear on our concerns about God, people, and the world of science.”
—Richard Averbeck
Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

“The effect of our modern society is to obscure Genesis 1 in clouds and storm, leaving a mountain few dare to climb. Happily, Gregg Davidson and Kenneth Turner have braved its heights, and returned with some of the most helpful biblical insights that I have seen. They present a rich, multi-dimensional perspective that remains entirely faithful to Scripture. Anyone seeking to understand the biblical account of creation should adventure into The Manifold Beauty of Genesis One. A compelling read for the expositor and novice alike.”
—Fletch Matlack
Pastor, Immanuel Baptist Church, NY

“The Manifold Beauty of Genesis One is a deep, patient, reverent unfolding of Scripture that relates to the creation event. This is a book that thoughtful students of Scripture will not only learn from, but rejoice over. I wish I had it years ago to give to people who asked me about Genesis! I thank God it is available to thinking Christians now, and look forward to giving away many copies.”
—Paul Lundquist
Former Wycliff linguist, missionary, pastor

“The Manifold Beauty of Genesis One is a fantastic resource for anyone teaching on Genesis chapter 1 or for anyone who has simply struggled with Genesis One and wants a richer understanding of this very important text. This book is very well written, it is a nice balance of theology and research, and yet it is accessible for the average person. The Manifold Beauty of Genesis One and its seven-layer approach is a very interesting read. I love the tone of the book. It is gracious, open, and inviting. I appreciate that the authors anticipate objections and address them openly and fairly. I was also impressed with the abundant footnotes and references. I highly recommend this book to believer and skeptic alike.”
—Brad Bertelsen
Former Area Director, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship

“By avoiding the scientific debates over the age of the earth and instead focusing on The Manifold Beauty of Genesis One, Davidson and Turner, have provided a helpful tool to reading, studying, and meditating upon the first chapter of the Bible. They share thoughtful approaches to the text used by faithful believers over the centuries that illumine the biblical creation story while maintaining a commitment to the divine inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture. This would be a great study for churches, small groups, and anyone desiring to gain a deeper understanding of the beauty, depth, and power of one of the foundational passages of our faith.”
—Joel Woodruff
President, C.S. Lewis Institute

“Fundamentally, biblical scholarship is simple. Ideas and positions are pitted against others to identify deficiencies. In many cases, this is also done to see which will reign supreme. Yet, when it comes to Genesis One, the hostile side of scholarship is revealed. Not only is the discussion often about exposing weaknesses of other positions or promoting one position as superior, but it also seems to be about embarrassing the opposition by exposing their fallacies and showing how they fail to engage the Bible with the reverence that it deserves. However, in The Manifold Beauty of Genesis One, Davidson and Turner offer a work that cuts against these trends. By discussing seven different ways to understand Genesis One as complementary (not competing) positions, they not only introduce the reader to major interpretive camps of the Bible’s inaugural chapter, but they also display the intricacies of biblical hermeneutics. But most excitingly, by shedding light on the depth and richness of Genesis One in the manner they do, they just may begin to facilitate irenic debate among the interpretive tribes of Genesis One that otherwise looks skeptically upon each other. This work is most welcome. It displays how embracing different—but legitimate—interpretations of the biblical text can bolster one’s appreciation for the beauty of God’s Word.”
—David Schreiner
Associate Dean & Associate Professor of Old Testament, Wesley Biblical Seminary