Journal: Grace Theological Journal
Volume: GTJ 12:1 (Spring 1991)
Article: Book Reviews
Author: Anonymous

GTJ 12:1 (Spr 91) p. 119

Book Reviews

The Message of Genesis 1–11 , by David Atkinson. In The Bible Speaks Today series, edited by J. A. Motyer (OT Editor). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1990. Pp. 190. $12.95. Paper.

David Atkinson is Chaplain and Professor at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, England. This book is twenty-forth in the popular series The Bible Speaks Today. Other authors include Derek Kidner (Jeremiah, Hosea) and John R. W. Stott (Acts, Galatians, Ephesians). The stated purpose of this series is “to expound the biblical text with accuracy, to relate it to contemporary life, and to be readable” (p. 5). This particular volume succeeds in all three areas.

It is Atkinson’s goal to provide more personal application of Genesis than a commentary, yet more depth than a sermon. He acknowledges 38 related Genesis studies in the Bibliography and freely quotes from them; Jürgen Moltmann, Gordan Wenham, and Claus Westerman are his favorites. Atkinson avoids debate on the usual “hot spots” of Genesis: the length of creation days, theistic evolution, and the extent of the Great Flood. Instead, he approaches the text as through the eyes of the original writer, accepting it at face value. For example, regarding the Tower of Babel he writes, “The demonic powers of mob rule…directed to goals which can only lead inexorably to destruction, are perhaps not too far from the thoughts of their author” (p. 183). Atkinson explains the context and general meaning of each passage, then makes application. His approach is refreshing. Regarding the creation of light before the sun and moon, he concludes, “The writer [of Genesis] is not so stupid as to be unaware there is a problem… He is safeguarding and proclaiming something of the unsearchable mystery of God” (p. 17). At times the author is “soft” on origins: he suggests that evolutionary capacity may be a gift of God (p. 29).

Atkinson gives extended discussion of many topics: creation in God’s image (p. 36), the concept of time (p. 44), marriage (p. 74). There is much original thinking in these pages which will be helpful to the pastor. The author also interacts with important global issues like nuclear arms and environmental stewardship. On this latter topic, Atkinson concludes that Christians should be responsible “estate managers…harnessing the resources of the world for mankind’s good and God’s glory” (p. 180). One theme of this book is the repeated failure of mankind to live right. The sin of Adam, Cain, Lamech, the sons of God…each led to punishment, although with preservation and hope for the future. In the case of the Babel dispersion, the hope is in the future blessings to Abraham. This story, beginning with You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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