Includes bibliographical references and index.

Genesis 1 is ancient cosmology -- Ancient cosmology is function oriented -- "Create" (Hebrew bara') concerns and functions -- The beginning state in Genesis 1 is nonfunctional -- Days one to three in Genesis 1 establish functions -- Days four to six in Genesis 1 install functionaries -- Divine rest is in a temple -- The cosmos is a temple -- The seven days of Genesis 1 relate to the cosmic temple inauguration -- The seven days of Genesis 1 do not concern material origins -- "Functional cosmic temple" offers face-value exegesis -- Other theories of Genesis 1 either go too far or not far enough -- The difference between origin accounts in science and scripture is metaphysical in nature -- God's roles as creator and sustainer are less different than we have thought -- Current debate about intelligent design ultimately concerns purpose -- Scientific explanations of origins can be viewed in light of purpose, and if so, are unobjectionable -- Resulting theology in this view of Genesis 1 is stronger, not weaker -- Public science education should be neutral regarding purpose.

John H. Walton presents and defends twenty propositions supporting a literary and theological understanding of Genesis 1 within the context of the ancient Near Eastern world and unpacks its implications for our modern scientific understanding of origins. --from publisher description