Debates between Christians and atheists often focus on Genesis chapters 1 through 11. Honest Questions: A Personal Commentary on Genesis 1 through 11 discusses some of the controversial questions and then gives personal insights into deeper questions. For example, going beyond, "How long did Creation take?" the first chapter of Genesis answers the question, "Who created the universe?"
God is not embarrassed by honest questions. He is the author of truth. Like most evangelicals, the author believes that God inspired the writers of the Bible. So, understanding what God says is important. Faith in God and confidence in the Word of God, the Bible, is the starting point of this book.
Honest Questions: A Personal Commentary on Genesis 1 through 11 presents insights into the message of Genesis, and sometimes suggests an untraditional interpretation. Each chapter also includes devotional thoughts on the current passage for meditation. Even though the message of Genesis is thousands of years old, it is relevant to life today. One can identify with the people in the stories. Popular culture today is similar to ancient civilizations. God is the same today as back then.
Unlike some others, this book is not designed to convince a skeptic to become a believer, nor to help win points in a debate with an atheist. This book also does not try to explain whether modern science and Genesis are compatible, nor does it argue whether secular mainstream science is valid, or not.
Honest Questions: A Personal Commentary on Genesis 1 through 11 is not an academic commentary, but the opinions of evangelical scholars are carefully considered. The book includes meditations, a wealth of Bible cross-references, citations with a bibliography, and an index. The following is a list of chapter titles.
- Introduction
Part I Adam - How long did Creation take?
- Did evolution really happen?
- Did mankind come from monkeys?
- Are people naturally good?
- Is revenge acceptable?
- How long did the patriarchs live?
Part II Noah - Did the Flood cover all of Planet Earth?
- Does Noah's curse justify racial prejudice?
Part III Shem - Is everyone a descendant of Noah?
- Why are there many languages?
- When was the Flood?
Part IV Abraham - Does God talk to ordinary people?
- Final remarks
Edward B. Allen has authored a number of devotional articles for The Upper Room and The Secret Place magazines, and has led Bible study groups for over 45 years. He is a long-time member of the American Scientific Affiliation, a fellowship of Christians in the sciences and engineering. He received a Ph.D. in Computer Science degree at Florida Atlantic University. He has had a career in software engineering and has authored or coauthored over 80 professional papers.
About the Author: Edward B. Allen is also the author of the following: A Slow Walk through Psalm 119: 90 Devotional Meditations; Love, Sex, Money, and Power: A Devotional Commentary; and Revelation: A Devotional Commentary. He has led discussion Bible study groups in evangelical churches for over 45 years, and has authored devotional articles for The Upper Room and The Secret Place magazines. He received a Ph.D. in Computer Science degree at Florida Atlantic University. He has had a career in software engineering and has authored or coauthored over 80 professional papers.
