The Documentary hypothesis and the so-called Tatbericht-Wortbericht theory have been the two main starting points of any relevant scholarly study of this text. Recently, under the influence of contemporary literary studies, attention has been drawn to the validity of the synchronic approach, and more and more scholars have thus become aware of the importance of the literary structure of this text.
With the discovery in the early 1870's of the Babylonian flood account, which was recognized to be closely related to the flood story in Genesis, there was opened a new chapter of comparative studies relating the various aspects of the book of Genesis to materials uncovered from ancient Near Eastern civilizations.
This book is one of the few recent attempts to present both sides in a logical, understanding manner so the reader can be informed on the issues, regardless of the position for which he opts. Published in Origins v. 5, n. 2.
Review of the book, The Creation-Evolution Controversy. This may be the best comprehensive treatment of scientific creationism that has become available prior to mid-1977. Published in Origins v. 5, n. 2.
Since the recovery and publication of texts from the Ancient Near East is a continuing endeavor, the materials already published need to be reexamined from time to time in the light of more recent information.
Radiometric dates are subject to uncertainties due to the assumptions inherent in the method and to the effects of non-natural changes in the earth's crust on the third day of creation and during the biblical Flood. Published in Origins v. 4, n. 2.
Tektites are formed from molten target rocks by an extraterrestrial impact. Australian tektites dated at about 700,000 years are found resting on soil dating less than 10,000 years old. This discrepancy is unresolved at present, and provides an opportunity for further research that could be very significant for the question of radiometric dating. Published in Origins v. 4, n. 2.
The application of the laws of physics and chemistry to the question of the origin of life poses some very basic questions and answers which are evaluated by the author. Published in Origins v. 4, n. 1.
There appears to be no persuasive evidence that the atmosphere has ever differed substantially from its present composition. The presence of oxygen in the earth's original atmosphere would have a dramatic inhibitory effect on the synthesis and accumulation of organic molecules and would virtually rule out the possibility that life arose in this way. Published in Origins v. 3, n. 2.
The Mars Viking Landing failed to find evidence for life on Mars. The Lander found carbon dioxide in the Martian atmosphere but no organic material in the Martian soil. Published in Origins v. 3, n. 2.
A review of the book, How Life Began. The view presented is a kind of theistic evolution. Published in Origins v. 3, n. 2.
It may be surprising to some students of the Bible that the translation and meaning of the opening words of the Bible are disputed. For 2,000 years the first verse of the Bible has been officially translated into Western languages with the familiar words, "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Now three authorized versions of the Jewish, Roman Catholic, and Protestant communities translate the first verse of the Bible differently.
Our study reveals that chemical evolution does not provide a satisfying solution to the question of the origin of life. Published in Origins v. 3, n. 1.
The first three chapters of Genesis are of crucial importance for both the origins of our world and for determining relationships between man and woman. Without these chapters, any understanding of the mutuality between man and woman is impaired and one-sided.
The plural "let us" in the phrase "let us make man" in Gn 1:26 has a long history of interpretation, reaching into pre-Christian times. What does the plural "us" in this enigmatic phrase indicate?
Some recent data raises serious questions regarding the plausibility of the model of a reducing atmosphere in early earth history. Published in Origins v. 2, n. 2.
Claimed correlation of C-14 ages with depth is not a sound argument for the accuracy of C-14 dates because in the great majority of cases, a linear relationship between depth and C-14 concentration does not exist. Published in Origins v. 2, n. 1.
News and comments
The second Creation Convention was held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, August 18-21, 1974. Published in Origins v. 2, n. 1.
Reviews of the books, The Origins of Life on the Earth, and Speculations and Experiments Related to the Theories on the Origin of Life: A Critique. These two books present opposite views on the problem of the origin of life. Published in Origins v. 2, n. 1.
