COURSE OBST 697
COURSE TITLE CREATION, COSMOLOGY AND GENESIS
FACULTY NAME DAVID D. PETTUS
PHONE NUMBER 434-592-3453
E-MAIL DPETTUS@LIBERTY.EDU
OFFICE LOCATION LU/THOMAS ROAD BAPTIST CHURCH CAMPUS, CARTER BUILDING #133
I.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
A focused examination of the Genesis narrative with a particular emphasis on the
interpretation of creation in the book viewed through its major events and themes,
including creation, flood, Babel, the patriarchal narratives, and the Genesis Covenants.
Attention will be given to significant scientific, historical and archaeological data that can
shed light on the meaning of this foundational doctrine of the Christian faith.
II.
RATIONALE
This course provides the student the knowledge and tools to understand and apply this
foundational doctrine in the Old Testament book of beginnings. The ministerial student
should be able to properly understand and interpret this crucial doctrine in Genesis for
apologetics, evangelism, preaching, teaching, and pastoral counseling.
III.
PREREQUISITES
None – suggest Old Testament Orientation course(s) be taken first.
IV.
MATERIALS LIST
Required
Barrett, Matthew and Ardel B. Caneday, gen. eds. Four Views on the Historical Adam.
Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2013.
Currid, John D. Against the Gods: The Polemical Theology of the Old Testament.
Crossway, 2013. ISBN: 978-1-4335-3183-5
Copan, Paul and William Lane Craig. Creation out of Nothing: a Biblical, Philosophical
and Scientific Exploration . Baker Books, 2004. ISBN: 9780801027338.
Oswalt, John N. The Bible Among the Myths. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2009. ISBN:
978-0-310-28509-0
OBST 697 – Creation, Cosmology and Genesis
Schaeffer, Francis A. Genesis in Space and Time. Downers Grove: Intervarsity Press,
1972. ISBN: 0-877-84636-7
Walton, John. The Lost World of Genesis One. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2009.
ISBN: 9780830837045.
Walton, John. Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament: Introducing the
Conceptual World of the Hebrew Bible. Baker Academic, 2006. ISBN:
9780801027505.
Any version of the Bible except a paraphrase (I will use the NKJV)
Disclaimer: The above resources provide information consistent with the latest research
regarding the subject area. Liberty University does not necessarily endorse specific
personal, religious, philosophical, or political positions found in these resources.
Resources for Genesis study:
See attached short bibliography
V.
MEASURABLE LEARNING OUTCOMES
The student will be able to:
VI.
A.
Describe the major interpretations of the creation and flood accounts in Genesis.
B.
Interact with the scientific view of origins as it relates to the Creation accounts in
Genesis.
C.
Discuss the major exegetical approaches to the creation stories in Genesis 1 & 2.
D.
Compare and evaluate the competing ancient near eastern views on Creation with
the Hebrew accounts in Genesis.
E.
Identify the potential impact of interpretations of Creation on understanding
Christ and the New Testament.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND ASSIGNMENTS
A.
Complete and enter in the Reading Log provided your assigned readings from the
Bible and the textbooks for submission at the end of the term. (LO A, B, C, D)
B.
Pass two unit examinations administered during the term—the first at the end of
the intensive week and the second submitted through blackboard during final
exam week. (LO A-E)
C.
Complete a five page book summary of the Currid textbook, Against the Gods.
(LO A-D)
Page 2 of 8
OBST 697 – Creation, Cosmology and Genesis
D.
Do a five page comparison of Oswalt’s and Walton’s approach to using the ANE
materials (LO A-D).
E.
Research and complete a 12-15 page graduate-level research paper on one of the
topics listed below. (LO A-E)
Research Paper Topics
Interpretations of the Genesis Creation narrative
ANE creation accounts and Genesis
Creation, Genesis and Scientific Cosmology
The nature of the Genesis Flood and its implications for Creation
Exegesis of the Genesis Creation Accounts
Research Paper Requirements
This paper is to be a graduate school research paper. The student is to use a
minimum of 10 sources in compiling this paper. The sources used should be
appropriate for graduate-level work (reference works, serious commentaries,
books and articles from theological journals). Only one commentary from the
church fathers (e.g. Augustine), one commentary from the Reformation period
(e.g. Calvin) and one popular commentary (e.g. McGee, Wiersbe etc.) may be
utilized in the total source count. However, commentaries from these categories
are not required.
The following form and style standards must be met:
1” margins, top, bottom, and sides
Must follow the Turabian style (with full footnotes)
Double-spaced
12-point standard font (courier, times new roman, arial etc.)
Indent paragraphs 5-7 spaces
Must have table of contents (or outline page)
Sub-headings should be in italics
Must include page numbers
Must spell check
Must review grammar suggestions from word processing program
VII.
COURSE GRADING AND POLICIES
A.
Points
Book summary
150 pts
Reading Log
150 pts
Comparison short paper
150 pts
Page 3 of 8
OBST 697 – Creation, Cosmology and Genesis
Research Paper
250 pts
Essay Exam 1
150 pts
Essay Exam 2
150 pts
Total
B.
Scale:
940-1000
920-939
900-919
860-899
840-859
820-839
780-819
760-779
740-759
700-739
680-699
BELOW 680
VIII.
1,000 pts
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
POLICIES
A.
ATTENDANCE POLICIES
Attendance will be taken each class period. All students are required to attend every
class meeting in the week long intensive. Any absence from the on campus class
meetings will negatively affect those students who are borderline in their final grade (e.g.
between a C and a B). It will likely impact the ability of a student to do well on the
exams, because portions of the exam questions are drawn directly from the lecture
material. Only the most dire circumstance will even be considered by the professor.
B.
OTHER POLICIES
1.
Academic Misconduct
Academic misconduct is strictly prohibited. See The Graduate Catalog for
specific definitions, penalties, and processes for reporting.
2.
Drop/Add Policy
Consult the Graduate Catalog for drop/add policies.
3.
Dress Code (applies to classes meeting on campus)
Students are expected to maintain a neat, professional appearance while in class.
Consult your department for additional guidelines.
Page 4 of 8
OBST 697 – Creation, Cosmology and Genesis
4.
Classroom Policies (applies to classes meeting on campus)
Assignments will be submitted in hard copy format. Late work will receive a ten
percent reduction in grade for each week the assignment is turned in/ completed
past its due date to a maximum of three weeks or 30 points.
No cell phones, texting etc. allowed in class. Computers may be utilized for note
taking or following along with the power points during class. Please keep the
keyboard strokes as quiet as possible for the sake of your neighbor in the class.
IX.
STUDENTS WITH A DOCUMENTED DISABILITY
Students in residence with a documented disability may contact the Office of Disability
Academic Support (ODAS) in Green Hall 2668 to make arrangements for academic
accommodations. For all disability testing accommodation requests (i.e. quieter
environment, extended time, oral testing, etc.) the Testing Center (Green Hall 2700) is
the officially designated place for all tests administered outside of the regular classroom.
X.
BIBLIOGRAPHY (SHORT STARTER BIBLIOGRAPHY FOR INTRODUCTORY STUDY ON
CREATION IN GENESIS)
Books
Aalders, Gerhard C. Genesis. Trans. W. Heynen. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1981.
Archer, Gleason. A Survey of Old Testament Introduction, Rev. ed. Moody Press, 1994.
Arnold, Bill T. Encountering the Book of Genesis: A Survey of its Contents and Issues.
Grand Rapids: Baker, 1998.
Arnold, B. T. and B. E. Beyer. Readings from the Ancient Near East. Baker, 2002.
Barrett, Matthew and Ardel B. Caneday, gen. eds. Four Views on the Historical Adam.
Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2013.
Calvin, John. Commentaries on the First Book of Moses Called Genesis. 2 Vols. Trans. J.
King. Reprint ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1948.
Cassuto, Umberto. A Commentary on the Book of Genesis. Part I From Adam to Noah.
Trans. I. Abrahams. Jerusalem: Magnes Press, 1961.
Cassuto, Umberto. A Commentary on the Book of Genesis. Part II From Noah to
Abraham. Trans. I Abrahams. Jerusalem: Magnes Press, 1964.
Collins, C. John. Genesis 1-4: A Linguistic, Literary, and Theological Commentary.
Philipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed,
Page 5 of 8
OBST 697 – Creation, Cosmology and Genesis
Copan, Paul and William Lane Craig. Creation out of Nothing: a Biblical, Philosophical
and Scientific Exploration . Baker Books, 2004.
Corduan, Winfred. In the Beginning God: A Fresh Look at the Case for Original
Monotheism. Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2013. ISBN: 9780805447781
Fowler, Thomas B. and Daniel Kuebler. The Evolution Controversy. Baker Books, 2007.
Garrett, Duane A. Rethinking Genesis: The Sources and Authorship of the First Book of
the Pentateuch. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1991.
Green, William Henry. The Unity of the Book of Genesis. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1979
(original 1879).
Gundry, Stanley N. et.al. Three Views on Creation and Evolution. Grand Rapids:
Zondervan, 1999.
Hamilton, Victor P. The Book of Genesis: Chapters 1-17. NICOT. Grand Rapids:
Eerdmans,1990.
Hamilton, Victor P. The Book of Genesis: Chapters 18-50. NICOT. Grand Rapids:
Eerdmans,1995
Kaiser, Walter C. and Ronald F. Youngblood eds. A Tribute to Gleason Archer.
Chicago: Moody, 1986.
Keil, C. F. and F. Delitzsch. The Pentateuch. Reprint ed. Trans. J. Martin. Grand Rapids:
Eerdmans, 1980.
Kidner, Derek. Genesis. TOTC. Downers Grove: IVP, 1967.
Harrison, R. K. Introduction to the Old Testament, Eerdmans, 1969.
Lennox, John C. Seven Days that Divide the World: the Beginning According to Genesis
and Science. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2011.
Leupold, H. C. Exposition of Genesis. 2 Vols. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1949.
Merrill, Eugene H. Kingdom of Priests: A History of Old Testament Israel. Grand
Rapids: Baker, 1987.
Moreland, J.P. and John Mark Reynolds, Editors. Three Views on Creation and
Evolution. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1999.
Morris, Henry M. The Genesis Record. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1976.
Page 6 of 8
OBST 697 – Creation, Cosmology and Genesis
Oswalt, John N. The Bible Among the Myths. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2009.
Ross, Allen P. Creation and Blessing. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1988.
Sailhamer, John H. “Genesis.” In The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 2. ed. F. E.
Gaebelein, 1-284. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1990.
Sailhamer, John H. The Pentateuch as Narrative: A Biblical-Theological Commentary.
LBI. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1992.
Sarna, Nahum M. Genesis. JPS Torah Commentary. Philadelphia: Jewish Publication
Society, 1989.
Schaeffer, Francis A. Genesis in Space and Time. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1972.
Speiser, E. A. Genesis . AB Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1964.
Walton, John H. Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament. Baker Books,
2006.
Walton, John H. Genesis: The NIV Application Commentary. Terry Muck, General
editor. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001.
Wenham, Gordon J. Genesis 1-15: A Commentary. WBC 1. Waco: Word, 1987.
Wiseman, P. J. Ancient Records and the Structure of Genesis . Rev. and Updated. D. J.
Wiseman. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1985 (original 1936).
Youngblood, Ronald F. The Book of Genesis. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1991.
Journals
Alexander, T. Desmond. “Geneaologies, Seed and the Compositional Unity of Genesis.”
TynBul 44 (1993) 255-70.
Anderson, Bernard W. “The Earth is the Lord’s: An Essay on the Biblical Doctrine of
Creation.” Interpretation 9 (1955) 3-20.
Barr, James. “The Image of God in the Book of Genesis—A Study of Terminology.”
BJRL 51 (1968-69) 11-26.
Cameron, Nigel S. “Talking Points: Genesis and Evolution.” Themelios NS 7 (1982) 2831.
Clines, David J. A. “The Image of God in Man.” TynBul 19 (1968) 53-103.
Page 7 of 8
OBST 697 – Creation, Cosmology and Genesis
Feinberg, Charles Lee. “The Image of God.” BibSac 129 (1972) 235-46.
Frymer-Kensky, Tikva. “What the Babylonian Flood Stories Can and Cannot Teach Us
About the Genesis Flood.” BARev 4 (1978) 32-41.
Hasel, Gerhard F. “The Significance of the Cosmology in Genesis 1 in Relation to
Ancient Near Eastern Parallels.” AUSS 10 (1972) 1-20.
Lavellee, Louis. “Augustine on the Creation Days.” JETS 32 (1989) 457-64.
Lewis, Jack P. “The Days of Creation: An Historical Survey of Interpretation.” JETS 32
(1989) 433-55.
Newman, Robert C. “The Ancient Exegesis of Genesis 6:2, 4.” Grace Theological
Journal 5 (1984) 13-36.
Waltke, Bruce K. “The Creation Account in Genesis 1:1-3.” BibSac 134 (1977) 123-30.
Noel K. “Cosmology in Historical Context,” Westminster Theological Journal 68.2 (Fall
2006): 283-293
Van Dam, Cornelius. "How Shall We Read Genesis 1?" Mid-America Journal Of
Theology 6 (1990): 19-32. Old Testament Abstracts.
Wenham, Gordon J. “The Coherence of the Flood Narrative.” VT 28 (1978) 336-48.
Young, Edward J. “The Days of Genesis.” WTJ 25 (1962) 1-34, 143-71.
Websites
https://answersingenesis.org/
http://creation.com/
http://academic.logos.com/2014/03/25/tremper-longman-responds-to-justin-taylor-onthe-historicity-of-adam/
Page 8 of 8