A Biblical Case against Theistic Evolution

by Wayne Grudem, Wayne Grudem (Contribution by), John D. Currid (Contribution by), Guy Prentiss Waters (Contribution by), Gregg R. Allison (Contribution by)

Overview

Leading Bible Scholars Explore Why the Theory of Theistic Evolution Conflicts with Christian Doctrine

Even Christians strongly debate Scripture's account of creation, with some declaring that major events in the book of Genesis—from the origin of Adam and Eve to God's curse on the world—were purely symbolic. Several respected scholars endorse this theory, but is it consistent with the Bible's teaching?

In A Biblical Case against Theistic Evolution, condensed and adapted from Theistic Evolution, Wayne Grudem and other leading scholars challenge the belief that Genesis is mostly symbolic, rather than a true, historical narrative. Grudem examines 12 specific events in Genesis 1–3 and explains why acknowledging their historicity is critical to understanding the rest of Scripture. He also emphasizes several foundational doctrines, including God's ongoing involvement in creation, the beginnings of mankind, and the origin of sin and death, to show readers how the theory of theistic evolution undermines essential truths throughout the Old and New Testaments.

• Defends the Biblical Account of Creation: Explains why theistic evolution is incompatible with the teachings of the Old Testament 
• Written by Leading Theological Scholars: Contributors include John D. Currid, Guy Prentiss Waters, Gregg R. Allison, and Fred G. Zaspel
• An In-Depth Look at Genesis: Examines 12 key biblical events in the first 3 chapters of the Bible
• Helpful, Condensed Guide: Adapted from Theistic Evolution: A Scientific, Philosophical, and Theological Critique

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781433577062
Publisher:	Crossway
Publication date:	03/21/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	256
File size:	534 KB

About the Author

Wayne Grudem (PhD, University of Cambridge) is Distinguished Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies Emeritus at Phoenix Seminary in Phoenix, Arizona. He is the author of more than twenty-five books, including Bible Doctrine and Christian Beliefs.

Wayne Grudem (PhD, University of Cambridge) is Distinguished Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies Emeritus at Phoenix Seminary in Phoenix, Arizona. He is the author of more than twenty-five books, including Bible Doctrine and Christian Beliefs.

  John D. Currid (PhD, University of Chicago) is the Carl W. McMurray Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary. He  is currently an adjunct faculty member at the Jerusalem Center for Biblical Studies in Jerusalem, Israel , and  serves as p roject d irector of the Bethsaida Excavations Project in Israel (1995-present). He lectures and preaches worldwide. 

Guy Prentiss Waters (PhD, Duke University) is James M. Baird Jr. Professor of New Testament and academic dean at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson. He is the author or editor of fifteen books and numerous chapters, articles, and reviews. He is a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA).

Gregg R. Allison (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is professor of Christian theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is secretary of the Evangelical Theological Society, a book review editor for the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, an elder at Sojourn Community Church, and a theological strategist for Harbor Network. Allison has taught at several colleges and seminaries, including Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon, and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, and is the author of numerous books, including Historical Theology;  Sojourners and Strangers; and Roman Catholic Theology and Practice.

Fred G. Zaspel (PhD, Free University of Amsterdam) serves as a pastor at Reformed Baptist Church in Franconia, Pennsylvania, an adjunct professor of systematic theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and executive editor at Books At a Glance. He is the author of The Theology of B. B. Warfield and Warfield on the Christian Life, coauthor of New Covenant Theology, and has published numerous booklets, articles, and book reviews.

Table of Contents

Contributors 9

1 Introduction: What Is Theistic Evolution? Wayne Grudem 11

2 Theistic Evolution Is Incompatible with the Teachings of the Old Testament John D. Currid 29

3 Theistic Evolution Is Incompatible with the Teachings of the New Testament Guy Prentiss Waters 73

4 Theistic Evolution Is Incompatible with Historical Christian Doctrine Gregg R. Allison 125

5 Additional Note: B. B. Warfield Did Not Endorse Theistic Evolution as It Is Understood Today Fred G. Zaspel 155

6 Theistic Evolution Undermines Twelve Creation Events and Several Crucial Christian Doctrines Wayne Grudem 177

General Index 237

Scripture Index 243

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“Wayne Grudem has assembled an impressive group of biblical and theological scholars to address one of the most important issues of our time. The book is especially valuable for its careful characterization of theistic evolution and the following case that theistic evolution is simply not consistent with the teachings of the Bible. I highly recommend this important book.”
—J. P. Moreland, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University; author, The God Question

“In this new streamlined volume critiquing the concept of theistic evolution, Professor Grudem and several other distinguished theologians highlight the many theological problems that arise from trying to synthesize mainstream neo-Darwinian evolutionary theory with any theologically meaningful notion of design or creation. They show that facile claims about how ‘God used the evolutionary process to create’ conceal a host of incoherencies, ambiguities, and theological problems. This is a detailed, dispassionate and scholarly volume.”
—Stephen C. Meyer, Director, Center for Science and Culture, Discovery Institute; author, Return of the God Hypothesis

“An increasing number of evangelicals are advocating theistic evolution as the best explanation of human origins, thereby denying the special creation of a historical Adam. Without taking any specific view as to the age of the earth, this important book demonstrates that theistic evolution fails to take proper account of Genesis 1–3 as a historical narrative. Leading scholars argue that theistic evolution is exegetically ill-founded and theologically damaging. Written with an irenic tone toward those it critiques, this book will help guard against false teaching in the church that undermines the gospel.”
—John Stevens, National Director, Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches, United Kingdom

“The chapters are clear, detailed, and of a tone in keeping with 1 Peter 3:15: ‘with gentleness and respect.’ I consider this a valuable book for any Christian who wants to be able to give compelling answers to others who believe that theistic evolution is compatible with the Bible.”
—Richard A. Carhart, Professor Emeritus of Physics, University of Illinois at Chicago

“The theistic evolution solution to the creation-evolution controversy herein encounters a substantial critique from the teachings of Scripture. This is important reading for those who wrestle with the great questions surrounding the origins of life.”
—Peter A. Lillback, President, Westminster Theological Seminary

“As the debate over the origins of the universe, earth, and humans continues, and Christians grapple to understand the relationship between science and Scripture, evolution and creation, the voices in this book need to be heard. The big questions about life are simply beyond the reach of ‘objective’ analysis. This volume critiques theologically the flaws of positions that marginalize God from the process.”
—James Hoffmeier, Professor Emeritus of Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern History and Archaeology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

“This book offers a much-needed critique of evolutionary creationism (theistic evolution), focusing on its biblical deficiencies.”
—Vern S. Poythress, Professor of New Testament Interpretation, Westminster Theological Seminary