Storms over Genesis : biblical battleground in America's wars of religion / William H. Jennings.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Jennings, William H.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Bible. Genesis, I-III--Criticism, interpretation, etc.

Bible.

Creation.

Cosmogony.

Creationism.

United States--Church history.

United States.

Church history.

Physical Description:

xxiii, 149 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm

Place of Publication:

Minneapolis : Fortress Press, [2007]

Summary:

No words ever recorded have had as much influence upon human affairs as those in the first three chapters of Genesis. Nor caused as much mischief, argues William Jennings. The creation stories themselves that open the Bible are at the center of three of the most heated debates in American religion today, and Genesis remains a lightning rod of controversy in America's century-long battle over religion. In his fascinating and informative account, Jennings shows how and why fundamentalists and modernists, Catholics and Protestants and Jews, feminists and the old guard all were drawn to Genesis and have wrestled with its meaning, legacy, and relevance today. After a dear explanation of the development of modern scholarly understanding of Genesis, Jennings focuses on the three key controversies-challenges from and to feminists, the critique of Genesis by environmentalists, and the claims of creationists. Jennings is able helpfully to reveal the core concern that animates both sides of controversies, and his work reveals not only the many surprising facets of this monumental text but also the unique light it continues to throw on core issues in American religious life.

Contents:

Interpreting the creation stories

Genesis and the challenges of feminists

Genesis and the critiques of environmentalists

Genesis and the claims of creationists

The creation stories in the public arena.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 121-143) and index.

ISBN:

9780800662110

0800662113

OCLC:

153597966