Christian Focus

Andrew Kulikovsky's volume provides its readers with a clear and current overview of the debate among biblical scholars about the interpretation of the creation week in Genesis 1-2 as well as Adam's fall (Gen. 3).

Michael A. Grisanti, Professor of Old Testament, The Master's Seminary, Sun Valley, California

Creation, Fall, Restoration: A Biblical Theology of Creation provides a refreshingly thorough yet eminently readable treatment of Genesis 1-3. Kulikovsky rightly argues that allowing the conclusions of modern science to determine our understanding of creation is basically a denial of the evangelical doctrine of sola scriptura. Sadly, many otherwise excellent evangelical scholars provide a confused or inconsistent hermeneutic in their treatment of the early chapters of Genesis, allowing the current conclusions of modern science to trump normative exegesis of the biblical text. Kulikovsky's work consistently exposes the faulty logic of such an approach. He discusses the role of science in biblical hermeneutics; the view of the Genesis creation account throughout church history; the overall purpose and function of the Genesis account; the days of creation; and the creation of mankind, the garden of Eden and the fall of man and its consequences. While not shying away from controversy, Kulikovsky ably interacts with relevant works representing diverse points of view. Even for those who do not share his conclusions, Kulikovsky's work is comprehensive and thought-provoking. In my thinking, his basic approach and treatment of the creation account is right on target!

Todd S. Beall, Chairman, Department of Old Testament Literature and Exegesis, Capital Bible Seminary, Lanham, Maryland