In their highly selective and literal reading of Scripture, creationists champion a rigidly reductionistic view of creation in their fight against "soulless scientism." Conversely, many scientists find faith in God to be a dangerous impediment in the empirical quest for knowledge. As a result of this ongoing debate, many people of faith feel forced to choose between evolution and the Bible's story of creation. But, as William Brown asks, which biblical creation story are we talking about? Brown shows that, through a close reading of biblical texts, no fewer than seven different biblical perspectives on creation can be identified. By examining these perspectives, Brown illuminates both connections and conflicts between the ancient creation traditions and the natural sciences, arguing for a new way of reading the Bible in light of current scientific knowledge and with consideration of the needs of the environment. In Brown's argument, both scientific inquiry and theological reflection are driven by a sense of wonder, which, in his words, "unites the scientist and the psalmist." Brown's own wonder at the beauty and complexity of the created world is evident throughout this intelligent, well-written, and inspirational book.

William P. Brown is Professor of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary and the author of several books and numerous articles on the Bible and its interpretation.

Acknowledgements Preface Abbreviations I. Introduction: From Wonder to Wisdom II. Revolution and Evolution: Ancient Near Eastern Backgrounds to Creation III. The Cosmic Temple: Cosmogony According to Genesis 1:1-2:4a IV. The Ground of Being: The Drama of Dirt in Genesis 2:4b-3:24 V. Behemoth and the Beagle: Creation According to Job 38-41 VI. The Passion of the Creator: The Manifold Nature of Nature in Psalm 104 VII. Wisdom's World: Cosmos as Playhouse in Proverbs 8:22-31 VIII. The Dying Cosmos: Qoheleth's Misanthropic Principle IX. The Fabric of the Cosmos: The Emergence of New Creation in Isaiah X. The God Allusion: Creation as Consciousness-Raiser Bibliography Index