Ebook
Particularly since the nineteenth century and Charles Darwin, those with a high view of Scripture have struggled to integrate the Bible's teachings on human origins with the mainstream scientific consensus. By positing a fundamental physical divide between the "once-cursed world" of Adam and Eve and the "twice-cursed world" of Cain's banishment, the book opens the door to a reexamination of the biblical origins story. This includes the possibility that the once-cursed world of Adam, Methuselah, and Noah was the one deluged, rather than our twice-cursed world, providing answers to longstanding questions about the Flood and other aspects of the story.
“Based on the conviction that God writes in both the book of Scripture and the book of Nature—and with a high view of the former coupled with a careful interaction with the latter—Michael Russell has developed and defended a fresh look at the origin story of Genesis 1–11. His thoughtful and insightful contribution will promote healthy conversation, particularly between believers and seekers, for years to come.”
—Geoffrey Lin, senior pastor, Trinity Church Adelaide
“Early Genesis contains a compelling explanation of our conflicted humanity within a timeline that seems at odds with archaeological records: a time widely acknowledged as of significant change in both the environment and human communities. Michael Russell highlights the tensions between the Bible, archaeology, and contemporary literature from which he explores a possible reconciliation. I commend Michael’s forthright approach to those seeking answers in the contested space of human identity and origins.”
—Bill Peirson, master and CEO, New College
“A Timeline of Origins is a thought-provoking proposal aligning a high view of Scripture and scientific evidence related to evolution and human civilization. This thesis proposing two worlds to explain biblical events will surely stimulate rigorous discussion and debate. From a scientific perspective, the two worlds theory removes some of the clashes between mainstream scientific knowledge and interpreting Scripture as a factual historical account and leads to intriguing, testable hypotheses.”
—Janice Siegford, professor and associate chair of animal science, Michigan State University
“Plausibility achieved! If you believe that Jesus rose bodily to his Father in heaven, you have no reason to doubt the plausibility of Michael Russell’s two-worlds proposal. The refreshing combination of a high view of Scripture, an acceptance of mainstream science, and a dogged and transparent attention to the details of the biblical text will make this book both productive and discomforting for nearly everyone who reads it!”
—Lewis Jones, director, The Simeon Network
Michael D. Russell is the senior minister of St George’s Anglican Church Magill. He is the author of Seeing Good, Doing Evil: The Limits of Moral Ignorance (2020).