Genesis

The three views put forth in this book are as follows:

James K. Hoffmeier: Theological History
Gordon J. Wenham: Proto-History
Kenton L. Sparks: Ancient Historiography

All three of these MEN are Evangelical scholars.

Chapter One is “Genesis 1-11 as History and Theology” by James K. Hoffmeier. Hoffmeier holds a literalist view of Scripture and I reject his flat reading of Genesis that tries to treat it as a history or science book.

Chapter Two is “Genesis 1-11 as Protohistory” by Wenham. Wenham has a slightly more nuanced reading of Scripture, acknowledging different literary genres within the text, but he rejects the term “myth” for any part of Genesis. He argues that the purpose of the text is to provide theological truths. Wenham uses the term “protohistory” to categorize Genesis, explaining that “proto” refers to origin stories meant to explain why things are the way they are.

Chapter Three is “Genesis 1-11 As Ancient Historiography” by Sparks. I agree much more with Kenton L. Sparks who says much of Genesis is unhistorical and mythic. He talks about the Documentary Hypothesis. He points out how science and modern approaches do not support a literal global flood or the events described in the story of the Tower of Babel.