Memory, Meaning & Faith

The “Found” World of Genesis 1: Is Theistic Evolution a Meaningful Option for Seventh-day Adventists?

By Nicholas Miller (Department of Church History, SDA Theological Seminary, Andrews University)

 

Last weekend a scholar from Wheaton College, Prof. John Walton, came to Andrews University to share his thoughts on the question of how Genesis 1 (ESV) should be read and understood. The crux of his argument was a historical one, and thus worth discussing on this history blog. Walton is viewed in the larger evangelical community as a relatively conservative scholar who believes in the authority of Scripture in spiritual and moral matters, as well as in its claims of miracles and the supernatural. For those not at the event, a brief summary of his presentations and claims follows.

 

Prof. Walton’s Presentations and Ideas

On Friday night, Walton spoke to students and faculty in a lecture sponsored by the University and the Science Department. He dealt with the question of the general interpretive approach to the Old Testament.  He argued that we can only understand the meaning of the stories in the Bible if we understand the worldview of its immediate intended audience. It was written to their worldview, not to that of the 21st century. While its spiritual and moral messages were also intended for today, we should recognize, Walton argued, that its authority does not lie in its claims about the physical world and material reality. He claimed that the Bible makes no scientific claims, i.e., that its observations on the natural and physical world were no different than the existing worldview(s) of the surrounding cultures.

2010 Adventist Historians' Conference: Sabbath Sessions

Today is the final day of substantive meetings for the conference. (There will be a final business meeting tomorrow morning.)  It starts with a Sabbath School session given by Gary Land on teaching about faith and history.  Then there will be a church session, with a presentation by Dr. Ganoune Diop from the Global Mission Study Center at the General Conference.


“Teaching the Philosophy of Faith and History,” Gary Land, Andrews University


This is an idea that Dr. Land has had floating around his mind for a while, that he has finally put to paper.  It relates to Christian approach to history.  Historians are notorious for lack of interest in theory.  In some ways this is good, as our attention should be on people, their ideas, and actions.  Yet, even our narratives contain implicit philosophical assumptions about causation and meaning.  Thus, we need to consider our philosophy, even if it is largely unspoken.  Especially as Christians, we need to consider the meaning of history.