Reading Genesis Well

Book Description

How do we bridge the gap between ancient biblical texts and modern scientific understanding? C. John Collins tackles this essential question by offering readers a thoughtful framework for engaging with Genesis 1-11 in ways that honor both scholarly rigor and spiritual depth.

Rather than forcing readers to choose between faith and reason, Collins demonstrates how careful interpretation can create meaningful dialogue between biblical narratives and contemporary science. Drawing insights from literary giant C.S. Lewis alongside modern linguistic tools including discourse analysis and sociolinguistics, he develops an approach that respects the original context and purpose of these foundational texts.

This work invites readers to move beyond surface-level debates about literalism versus symbolism. Instead, Collins guides you through the nuanced process of understanding what these ancient writers intended to communicate to their communities and how their worldview functioned within their cultural context. You'll discover how to evaluate claims about "primitive" biblical perspectives while gaining tools for responsible biblical interpretation.

Whether you're grappling with questions about science and faith or seeking deeper understanding of Scripture's opening chapters, this book provides a pathway for honest engagement. Collins equips readers with linguistic and literary insights that transform how you approach not just Genesis, but biblical interpretation as a whole. The result is a more informed, nuanced conversation about how ancient wisdom speaks to contemporary questions.