What do you think?
Rate this book
Genesis in Space and Time: The Flow of Biblical History
Genesis is a book of origins--the origin of the universe, the origin of life and the origin of man. It places man in his cosmic setting, shows his particular uniquness, explains his wonder and his flaw, and begins to trace the flow of human history through space and time. Many today, however, view this book as a collection of myths, useful for understanding the Hebrew mind, perhaps, but certainly not a record of what really happened. Dr. Francis A. Schaeffer challenges that view and shows how the first eleven chapters of Genesis stand as a solid, space-time basis for answering the tough questions posed by modern man.
167 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1972
About the author
Francis A. Schaeffer
69 books722 followersFrancis August Schaeffer was an American Evangelical Christian theologian, philosopher, and Presbyterian pastor. He is most famous for his writings and his establishment of the L'Abri community in Switzerland. Opposed to theological modernism, Schaeffer promoted a more historic Protestant faith and a presuppositional approach to Christian apologetics which he believed would answer the questions of the age.
Wife: Edith Schaeffer
children: Susan Schaeffer Macaulay
Wife: Edith Schaeffer
children: Susan Schaeffer Macaulay
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
July 14, 2013
I have read many of Schaeffer's books, and this might be one of my favorites along with How Shall We Then Live, and Escape from Reason. What impacted me the most was, in perfect Francis Schaeffer style, an uncovering of the big-picture, overall themes and structure of Genesis with an emphasis on the unity that consistently is woven throughout. He sees past the particulars of the Genesis narrative and manages to get his arms around the book as a whole; just like he does with culture or philosophy in his other books.
Schaeffer points out that separation is a key theme of Genesis. It is seen over and over; the light is separated from the darkness, the waters above from the waters below, man from the rest of creation, separations that occur because of the fall (man from man, man from nature, man from himself, nature from nature) and the chosen seed of Israel from the unchosen. These separations always begin with the broad, overall picture but then zoom in on the main point. Schaeffer notes, for instance; that the creation of the universe is given first in broad strokes, then the creation of Earth, the creation of life on Earth is gone over quickly, but then we have much detail regarding the creation of man, the descendants of Cain and Seth are given with Cain first, then Seth, because it is Seth's descendants that become Israel the chosen seed, and so on. Microcosm within microcosm. Always the less important is given first, dealt with and gotten out of the way. It is a beautiful pattern that I never saw until reading this book.
Also, Schaeffer has a great description of the first two chapters and how they communicate two primary attributes about God: His infinity and His personality. The infinite-personal God seems to be one of his favorite topics throughout his writings. Another major thrust of the book is authorship and arguments against multiple-authorship.
All in all it was very well done and I highly recommend it to anyone who has enjoyed anything else Francis Schaeffer has written, or anyone who wants to seriously consider the ancient book of Genesis and what effect it has on us today.
Schaeffer points out that separation is a key theme of Genesis. It is seen over and over; the light is separated from the darkness, the waters above from the waters below, man from the rest of creation, separations that occur because of the fall (man from man, man from nature, man from himself, nature from nature) and the chosen seed of Israel from the unchosen. These separations always begin with the broad, overall picture but then zoom in on the main point. Schaeffer notes, for instance; that the creation of the universe is given first in broad strokes, then the creation of Earth, the creation of life on Earth is gone over quickly, but then we have much detail regarding the creation of man, the descendants of Cain and Seth are given with Cain first, then Seth, because it is Seth's descendants that become Israel the chosen seed, and so on. Microcosm within microcosm. Always the less important is given first, dealt with and gotten out of the way. It is a beautiful pattern that I never saw until reading this book.
Also, Schaeffer has a great description of the first two chapters and how they communicate two primary attributes about God: His infinity and His personality. The infinite-personal God seems to be one of his favorite topics throughout his writings. Another major thrust of the book is authorship and arguments against multiple-authorship.
All in all it was very well done and I highly recommend it to anyone who has enjoyed anything else Francis Schaeffer has written, or anyone who wants to seriously consider the ancient book of Genesis and what effect it has on us today.
November 6, 2020
Apparently in reading Francis Shaeffer it is good to remember this belief of his: "When the Bible touches history, it speaks with what I call true truth--that is, propositional, objective truth" (p. 52). In other words, the literal interpretation of a Bible passage is the truest truth. For it to have the highest value, Genesis MUST be in time and space.
I respect Shaeffer for being transparent about that. And I like how the book is written clearly and in a well organized way. But, unfortunately, that is where my respect stops. The book is full of one unsubstantiated claim after another with almost no explanation for his exegesis. It's for "the layman" (um, ouch), but laymen or not, we still need to know where you came up with your explanation for different terms and concepts in Genesis and that they weren't just created ex nihilo.
Shaeffer has coopted a host of biblical terms to fit his worldview, which is, sadly, premised on the worship of certainty and a contempt of those who value mystery and a historical-critical hermeneutic (including intelligent, well-respected people such as Paul Tillich and Simone Weil whom he specifically names and shames). Of course even he admits that there is symbolism in Genesis and he doesn't understand "day" to mean a 24-hour day, but just how he distinguishes between what is symbolic and what is literal is unclear. His own whims?
I had often heard that Shaeffer influenced recent American Fundamentalist Christianity; after reading this, I can only conclude he is a transitional fossil in its evolution. Far and away, the main benefit of reading this has been gaining a better understanding of how historical-grammatical exegetes have come to interpret Genesis. Shaeffer's influence in this is inestimable. That one person should play so great a role not just in the interpretation of Genesis but the entire worldview of so many people is truly stunning.
I respect Shaeffer for being transparent about that. And I like how the book is written clearly and in a well organized way. But, unfortunately, that is where my respect stops. The book is full of one unsubstantiated claim after another with almost no explanation for his exegesis. It's for "the layman" (um, ouch), but laymen or not, we still need to know where you came up with your explanation for different terms and concepts in Genesis and that they weren't just created ex nihilo.
Shaeffer has coopted a host of biblical terms to fit his worldview, which is, sadly, premised on the worship of certainty and a contempt of those who value mystery and a historical-critical hermeneutic (including intelligent, well-respected people such as Paul Tillich and Simone Weil whom he specifically names and shames). Of course even he admits that there is symbolism in Genesis and he doesn't understand "day" to mean a 24-hour day, but just how he distinguishes between what is symbolic and what is literal is unclear. His own whims?
I had often heard that Shaeffer influenced recent American Fundamentalist Christianity; after reading this, I can only conclude he is a transitional fossil in its evolution. Far and away, the main benefit of reading this has been gaining a better understanding of how historical-grammatical exegetes have come to interpret Genesis. Shaeffer's influence in this is inestimable. That one person should play so great a role not just in the interpretation of Genesis but the entire worldview of so many people is truly stunning.
January 28, 2020
After reading the trilogy, this was a special read. For it’s basically Schaeffer rooting his biblical apologetic framework in the first 11 chapters of Genesis. The book is full of solid Old Testament exegesis, plus fitting applications.
The title and subtitle of the book explain it well. Schaeffer is going through Genesis 11 with the emphasis on its historicity (“space and time”). For this, especially in chapters 1-3, he builds his biblical apologetic cases for God’s existence, the Trinity, creation, man’s uniqueness in the image of God, and the fall and its tragic results.
But then as he continues in Genesis (after Gen. 3), he emphasizes the “flow of biblical history” (which is the subtitle of the book). He starts by showing the Genesis 3:15 promise, and then continues in each Genesis chapter to show the divisions that happens plus the unified theme of redemption.
Overall, it’s an excellent work. For anyone semi-learned in early Genesis studies, a lot of it won’t be “new.” But there’s still plenty of new and well-said stuff in here to make it interesting; plus, Schaeffer’s unique apologetic lens on so much of it is a joy to read. For anyone who isn’t familiar with how important Genesis 1-11 is to the whole biblical storyline, read this book! You’ll see not only how intriguing these chapters are, but also, as Schaeffer emphasizes over and over, how these chapters truly do provide the answers we need.
I recommend highly. (Also, I don’t think you need to read his trilogy to read this. This is enjoyable even as a first Schaeffer book).
The title and subtitle of the book explain it well. Schaeffer is going through Genesis 11 with the emphasis on its historicity (“space and time”). For this, especially in chapters 1-3, he builds his biblical apologetic cases for God’s existence, the Trinity, creation, man’s uniqueness in the image of God, and the fall and its tragic results.
But then as he continues in Genesis (after Gen. 3), he emphasizes the “flow of biblical history” (which is the subtitle of the book). He starts by showing the Genesis 3:15 promise, and then continues in each Genesis chapter to show the divisions that happens plus the unified theme of redemption.
Overall, it’s an excellent work. For anyone semi-learned in early Genesis studies, a lot of it won’t be “new.” But there’s still plenty of new and well-said stuff in here to make it interesting; plus, Schaeffer’s unique apologetic lens on so much of it is a joy to read. For anyone who isn’t familiar with how important Genesis 1-11 is to the whole biblical storyline, read this book! You’ll see not only how intriguing these chapters are, but also, as Schaeffer emphasizes over and over, how these chapters truly do provide the answers we need.
I recommend highly. (Also, I don’t think you need to read his trilogy to read this. This is enjoyable even as a first Schaeffer book).
June 20, 2021
esse foi meu primeiro contato literário com schaeffer e eu amei a escrita dele, ele consegue apresentar temas complexos de forma muito didática. eu aprendi muito com o livro, me ajudou a entender Gênesis 1-11 de forma mais intencional para a compreensão não só da Bíblia como um todo, mas de Deus, da Sua criação e todas as crises da humanidade. assim como schaeffer, eu creio na veracidade histórica de Gênesis 1-11 e tenho certeza que isso é essêncial para a cosmovisão cristã. recomendo muito o livro, muitos dos problemas de interpretação bíblica no nosso meio se dá a uma leitura pobre de Gênesis.
February 25, 2016
A pretty good book on the first 12 chapters of Genesis. Schaeffer brings out some good points, especially in relation to a Trinitarian view of creation and in relation to the effect of the fall into sin and redemption on relationships (between man and God, man and man, man and nature, etc...). Regrettably, at least from my perspective, his book is marred by his premillennialism and his weak treatments of the days of creation and the biblical chronologies.
March 3, 2009
This book is very easy to read and to understand. The language is quite simple and accesible and the message is so strong. It pleads (and prooves, as far as I'm concerned) that Genesis 1 to 11 is history. These first chapters were intended to present a real historic flow, with impact on a man`s fundamental question: "Who am I?"
January 11, 2019
Great thinkers throughout the course of history have queried, “Where did it all come from? Who made the cosmos? What made the cosmos? What or who holds it all together? What is the meaning of life? What is the basis of knowledge? Where are we heading? And where do we go when we die? For those who reject a personal Creator – the questions posed above become totally unanswerable. For all those who reject a personal Creator, there is a hopelessness that lies under their dogmatic certainty.
Genesis in Space and Time by Francis Schaeffer examines the flow of Biblical history. The book of Genesis sets the parameters and helps articulate a Christian worldview that includes a personal God. “He is there and he is not silent” as Schaeffer remarks in another book. At the core of the book stands the belief in a personal Creator. Affirming macroevolution or denying a personal Creator stands behind the hopelessness among the unbelieving world. Schaeffer adds, “It is either not knowing or denying the createdness of things that is at the root of the blackness of modern man’s difficulties. Give up creation as space-time, historic reality, and all that is left what Simone Weil called ‘uncreatedness.’ It is not that something does not exist, but that it just stands there, autonomous to itself, without solutions and without answers.” The proliferation of the so-called new atheism is vivid proof that Schaeffer articulated almost forty years ago.
Schaeffer maintains that one must understand the book of Genesis in order to develop a workable approach to metaphysics, morality, and epistemology. Genesis in Space and Time continues to be relevant as many evangelicals back away from a literal interpretation of Scripture and a six-day creation week. Genesis in Space and Time is prophetic, bold and relevant. It is a powerful antidote for postmodern skeptics.
Genesis in Space and Time by Francis Schaeffer examines the flow of Biblical history. The book of Genesis sets the parameters and helps articulate a Christian worldview that includes a personal God. “He is there and he is not silent” as Schaeffer remarks in another book. At the core of the book stands the belief in a personal Creator. Affirming macroevolution or denying a personal Creator stands behind the hopelessness among the unbelieving world. Schaeffer adds, “It is either not knowing or denying the createdness of things that is at the root of the blackness of modern man’s difficulties. Give up creation as space-time, historic reality, and all that is left what Simone Weil called ‘uncreatedness.’ It is not that something does not exist, but that it just stands there, autonomous to itself, without solutions and without answers.” The proliferation of the so-called new atheism is vivid proof that Schaeffer articulated almost forty years ago.
Schaeffer maintains that one must understand the book of Genesis in order to develop a workable approach to metaphysics, morality, and epistemology. Genesis in Space and Time continues to be relevant as many evangelicals back away from a literal interpretation of Scripture and a six-day creation week. Genesis in Space and Time is prophetic, bold and relevant. It is a powerful antidote for postmodern skeptics.
December 11, 2010
Rich. Meaty. Inspiring. As always, Schaeffer points up the great ironies.
Some quotes:
“It is either not knowing or denying the createdness of things that is at the root of the blackness of modern man’s difficulties.”
“The simple fact is that in wanting to be what man as a creature could not be, man lost what he could be.”
And the plan God had, and still has, for us is better than anything mankind has even imagined! If only the world could know the greatness of God's desires for us, to love us, to share His authority with us, to give us endless opportunities to, like Him, generate beauty, order, and to be restored (through Christ) to the original perfection, etc.
It all stands on one foundation, being created especially by Him and in His image. This is the ultimate dignity and source of human worth. When mankind trades that away, thinking he gains freedom in the exchange, he has only cut himself off from the fount of his significance and the fulfillment of his personhood through satisfying communion with God's Infinite Personhood and through his esteemed rank as the King's highest steward of this lovely planet. Then there is all eternity to consider too!
We cannot trust God until we see that He is good, and when probing the original beginnings He made for us, that goodness gleams. We can also see where mankind's actions have marred human history, but His Original Intentions will yet be fulfilled. There is hope!
Some quotes:
“It is either not knowing or denying the createdness of things that is at the root of the blackness of modern man’s difficulties.”
“The simple fact is that in wanting to be what man as a creature could not be, man lost what he could be.”
And the plan God had, and still has, for us is better than anything mankind has even imagined! If only the world could know the greatness of God's desires for us, to love us, to share His authority with us, to give us endless opportunities to, like Him, generate beauty, order, and to be restored (through Christ) to the original perfection, etc.
It all stands on one foundation, being created especially by Him and in His image. This is the ultimate dignity and source of human worth. When mankind trades that away, thinking he gains freedom in the exchange, he has only cut himself off from the fount of his significance and the fulfillment of his personhood through satisfying communion with God's Infinite Personhood and through his esteemed rank as the King's highest steward of this lovely planet. Then there is all eternity to consider too!
We cannot trust God until we see that He is good, and when probing the original beginnings He made for us, that goodness gleams. We can also see where mankind's actions have marred human history, but His Original Intentions will yet be fulfilled. There is hope!
January 11, 2020
The author does a great job of making a connection of God to His universe, the creation of it, the Fall, and the redemptive history of mankind through an analysis of the early chapters of Genesis. He totally stays away from the creation / evolution debate - which I found refreshing - and focuses his efforts on the theological / philosophical aspects of God, the creative process, and God's intent in it. He also does a great job of highlighting mankind's relationship with the rest of Creation and how that was corrupted by the Fall, although it still exists. This refreshing was particularly refreshing as much of the current conversation treats humanity as simply a coequal component of creation, rather than considering the God-ordained superintendence over Creation by mankind. I highly recommend this book. In spite of its 1970s writing, it is not dated.
January 24, 2022
This book was great and helpful as I studied the genesis account. The book focuses primarily on creation and the fall with smaller sections working through the rest of genesis until the story of Noah. Overall the book provides sufficient insight to be useful and though provoking without compromising on how accessible it is to all readers. I love how author does a great job highlighting that genesis recounts multiple separations (light from darkness, man from God, man from man, etc) which I had not really put together on my own. This truly helps you look at the genesis account with the lenses of patterns and raises questions and provides insights that I wouldn’t have searched for otherwise. The author makes his case for the first 11 chapters being real and occurring within time and space but I believe this book would be accessible even for those who would disagree with this conclusion.
September 8, 2014
Não necessariamente concordo com todas as conclusões de Schaeffer, e creio que a linguagem deixa um pouco a desejar (no original; a tradução e sua revisão chegam a aperfeiçoar o estilo), mas ele demonstra porque é o grande mestre dos Reformados engajados com a cultura do século XX. Necessário.
May 27, 2009
Very worthwhile book for the Christian world view. Helped solidify my own world view and opened my eyes to very fundamental but incredibly awesome aspects of the Christian faith.
June 25, 2016
What is the solution to the dilemmas man finds himself faced with? Everywhere one looks, one can observe man at odds with God, with himself, with other men, and with nature. Francis Schaeffer, in his book Genesis in Space and Time, contends that the answer is to be found in the origins of man, and of the universe itself.[1] “If a man attributes the wrong cause to the dilemma and divisions of men,” Schaeffer wrote, “he will never come up with the right answer no matter how good a will he has.”[2] Genesis in Space and Time seeks to shed light on the cause of man’s dilemma through an analysis of the first eleven chapter of the book of Genesis. Tracing the story through these narratives, Schaeffer’s book recounts the creation of man and the universe (chapters 1-3), the fall (chapters 4 and 5), and the results, (divisions between God and man, between man and himself, between man and man, and between man and nature), and the first steps in God’s plan of redemption (chapters 6-8).
Four main themes run throughout the book. The first is the historicity of the Genesis narrative. From the very first verse of Genesis, Schaeffer insisted, both the book’s language and structure insist that “we are dealing here with history just as much as if we talked about ourselves at this moment at a particular point of time in a particular geographic place.”[3]
The second theme may be found in Schaeffer’s constant reminders throughout the book that the Genesis narrative, particularly its genealogical elements, while historical, ought not to be treated as strict chronologies. His comment on Genesis 4:11-24 typifies his position on this, reiterated convincingly and often through the book’s latter chapters:
We need to note here, in passing, that verses 11-24 do not constitute a chronology any more than do the genealogies of [Seth’s] godly line which begin at verse 25. Rather, these passages exactly fit the literary form found in all parts of Genesis: The unimportant aspects (in this case the ungodly line) are quickly gotten out of the way so that the more central aspects (the godly line) might be dealt with in detail. We do not, therefore, know how much time elapses before we come to verse 24. It is not necessary that verse 24 contain history that precedes that in verse 25 . . .[4]
This line of reasoning is taken up again in more detail in the final chapter of the obok, but it pervades throughout.[5]
The third theme is that man’s difficulties with himself, with each other, and with nature, stem from a singular event in history when man fell. Succinctly put, “Eve was faced with a choice, she pondered the situation and then she put her hand into the history of man and changed the course of human events.”[6] Thus, the harmony of God’s creation was disrupted as sin and death entered the equation. The results were not simply between man and God, the author contended, “almost all of the results of God’s judgment because of man’s rebellion relate in some way to the external world. . . Profound changes make the external, objective world abnormal.”[7]
The final theme is that of redemption. In spite of the fall, “man still has tremendous value,” wrote Schaeffer.[8] Immediately following the fall was a promise of redemption. The final chapters of the book do more than trace the separations caused by the entry of sin into the world. They recount the revealing of God’s plan, put into place before the beginning of the universe, as the general promise is narrowed to the line of Seth, then through, Noah, and finally, through Abraham.
The book closes with an appeal to the importance of history. Having already made several arguments for the history of Genesis, Schaeffer tied it together with the need for all men to know their history (and, of course, Genesis is all of our history) in order to make sense of their present, and of their future.[9]
Genesis in Space and Time is an excellent book, both for its content and its style. It is very easy to read, yet conveys profound truths in its 163 pages. Whether one is a layman or scholar, Schaeffer’s presentation of the origins of the universe, of man, and of man’s great dilemma of separation is clear and concise and, often, profound. I highly recommend this book for anyone considering the origins and nature of man.
[1] Francis A. Schaeffer, Genesis in Space and Time, (Downers Grove, InterVarsity Press, 1972).
[2] Ibid., 160.
[3] Ibid., 15.
[4] Ibid., 114.
[5] Ibid., 150-156.
[6] Ibid., 85.
[7] Ibid., 95.
[8] Ibid., 100-101.
[9] Ibid., 158-160.
Four main themes run throughout the book. The first is the historicity of the Genesis narrative. From the very first verse of Genesis, Schaeffer insisted, both the book’s language and structure insist that “we are dealing here with history just as much as if we talked about ourselves at this moment at a particular point of time in a particular geographic place.”[3]
The second theme may be found in Schaeffer’s constant reminders throughout the book that the Genesis narrative, particularly its genealogical elements, while historical, ought not to be treated as strict chronologies. His comment on Genesis 4:11-24 typifies his position on this, reiterated convincingly and often through the book’s latter chapters:
We need to note here, in passing, that verses 11-24 do not constitute a chronology any more than do the genealogies of [Seth’s] godly line which begin at verse 25. Rather, these passages exactly fit the literary form found in all parts of Genesis: The unimportant aspects (in this case the ungodly line) are quickly gotten out of the way so that the more central aspects (the godly line) might be dealt with in detail. We do not, therefore, know how much time elapses before we come to verse 24. It is not necessary that verse 24 contain history that precedes that in verse 25 . . .[4]
This line of reasoning is taken up again in more detail in the final chapter of the obok, but it pervades throughout.[5]
The third theme is that man’s difficulties with himself, with each other, and with nature, stem from a singular event in history when man fell. Succinctly put, “Eve was faced with a choice, she pondered the situation and then she put her hand into the history of man and changed the course of human events.”[6] Thus, the harmony of God’s creation was disrupted as sin and death entered the equation. The results were not simply between man and God, the author contended, “almost all of the results of God’s judgment because of man’s rebellion relate in some way to the external world. . . Profound changes make the external, objective world abnormal.”[7]
The final theme is that of redemption. In spite of the fall, “man still has tremendous value,” wrote Schaeffer.[8] Immediately following the fall was a promise of redemption. The final chapters of the book do more than trace the separations caused by the entry of sin into the world. They recount the revealing of God’s plan, put into place before the beginning of the universe, as the general promise is narrowed to the line of Seth, then through, Noah, and finally, through Abraham.
The book closes with an appeal to the importance of history. Having already made several arguments for the history of Genesis, Schaeffer tied it together with the need for all men to know their history (and, of course, Genesis is all of our history) in order to make sense of their present, and of their future.[9]
Genesis in Space and Time is an excellent book, both for its content and its style. It is very easy to read, yet conveys profound truths in its 163 pages. Whether one is a layman or scholar, Schaeffer’s presentation of the origins of the universe, of man, and of man’s great dilemma of separation is clear and concise and, often, profound. I highly recommend this book for anyone considering the origins and nature of man.
[1] Francis A. Schaeffer, Genesis in Space and Time, (Downers Grove, InterVarsity Press, 1972).
[2] Ibid., 160.
[3] Ibid., 15.
[4] Ibid., 114.
[5] Ibid., 150-156.
[6] Ibid., 85.
[7] Ibid., 95.
[8] Ibid., 100-101.
[9] Ibid., 158-160.
September 28, 2021
I am not sure what I was expecting from this book but it didn't deliver it haha. I had been wanting to read it for awhile as Genesis is very interesting to me and especially after Jordan Peterson's lecture series. However, this was a very literal interpretation of Genesis and Shaeffer makes the claim that if you use symbolism it destroys everything. I am guessing Genesis is comprised of a good bit of both and I don't see how a little symbolism doesn't detract from the major thrust except to those with little imagination. Whether a day was 24 hours or 24 billion years really makes no difference in my opinion.
Shaeffer allows for symbolism on two interesting points.
Hebrew day could mean 1. 24 hours. 2. period of night and day. 3. period of time. He doesn't venture to guess which is correct but he does leave it open and he says there is nothing to debate because we don't have any clearly defined terms.
He views the genealogies as loose genealogies and not a set chronology for 3 reasons.
1. It's not always a strait line for instance it lists the children of Noah as Shem, Ham, and Japheth even though Ham is the youngest. He thinks that the writers put them in importance and not birth order.
2. When the genealogies are repeated different names are left out. In one case there is a 400 year gap between the names and this occurred in the time of David when people did not live to have kids at that age.
3. Another reason these are not chronology is Adam, Enoch, and Methuselah would have been contemporaries which does not jive with the stories presented. A more awkward example is Noah and his son's would have still been alive when Abraham was 50 which does not seem to fit the setting of that story at all. In my view if this was chronology Abraham would have been called out of his father's basement to go learn from Noah instead of what he actually ended up doing.
So I liked that he left open the possibility of an old earth. An interesting and random fact was that around 10k years ago Mammoths in the North froze to death so quickly that they still had vegetation in their mouths that were preserved and the meet was frozen and still edible.
Shaeffer allows for symbolism on two interesting points.
Hebrew day could mean 1. 24 hours. 2. period of night and day. 3. period of time. He doesn't venture to guess which is correct but he does leave it open and he says there is nothing to debate because we don't have any clearly defined terms.
He views the genealogies as loose genealogies and not a set chronology for 3 reasons.
1. It's not always a strait line for instance it lists the children of Noah as Shem, Ham, and Japheth even though Ham is the youngest. He thinks that the writers put them in importance and not birth order.
2. When the genealogies are repeated different names are left out. In one case there is a 400 year gap between the names and this occurred in the time of David when people did not live to have kids at that age.
3. Another reason these are not chronology is Adam, Enoch, and Methuselah would have been contemporaries which does not jive with the stories presented. A more awkward example is Noah and his son's would have still been alive when Abraham was 50 which does not seem to fit the setting of that story at all. In my view if this was chronology Abraham would have been called out of his father's basement to go learn from Noah instead of what he actually ended up doing.
So I liked that he left open the possibility of an old earth. An interesting and random fact was that around 10k years ago Mammoths in the North froze to death so quickly that they still had vegetation in their mouths that were preserved and the meet was frozen and still edible.
April 11, 2017
Schaeffer's basic premise is basically that the events in the first 11 chapters of Genesis were real, historical events (although prior to the time of Abraham we can't put any dates to events, so how long these time periods really lasted cannot be definitively known) and that because of them, all of history has been shaped, and the problems and solutions can all be traced historically. It's a little more dated in some of the scientific views and terminology, but it doesn't go into detail and that has little bearing on the overall point. He definitely uses some less layperson-friendly terminology at times,both technical and "Christian-ese," so it's not something I would recommend if this is your first encounter with Genesis, as it could get confusing. I disagreed with a few of his statements, but not many, as where the Scripture and evidence is not clear, he was good about stating "it is my view" or such-and-such based on "x," but was clear in that it was his opinion and not necessarily the absolute truth, which I appreciate. There is a lot of discussion about the translation of various words, especially when showing how the KJV might not have the most accurate or appropriate term in today's language and understanding. It helped make some of the more odd passages a little more comprehensible. Being that his translation of choice was in fact the KJV, though, some of the quoted passages are a little more challenging to follow.
3.5/5
3.5/5
September 15, 2020
I really want to give this 5 stars but I can’t for a few reasons.
1. The exegesis of Genesis 1-3 was honestly dry and not very interesting. His deep focus on ex nihilo (an important doctrine, but not a part of the Genesis account) frustrated me. Further those first few chapters were doing a lot of heavy lifting to point to Genesis actually historically happening but I found them to argue for little more than this. I almost quit the book before moving onto Genesis 4. I’m very glad I didn’t though.
2. Later when he does offer some interesting insights, particularly into genealogies he doesn’t site many sources. I know that is part of an older, popular level work, but I want to follow up further on some of these thoughts.
My very favorite part of this book was his take on genealogies as historical but not chronological, as I. They were not provided to offer us a chronology of pre-Abraham’s history. I was shocked when he dated the flood past 20,000 BC, being a conservative as he is. But I think his reasoning is much less suspect for that reason. Above after his flood date he is fighting heartily against naturalistic geology. This tells me he is not buying into a liberal, atheistic reading of history, yet he still respects the helpful contributions secular science can offer.
Also the last few pages where he really focuses on the theological worldview implications were excellent.
1. The exegesis of Genesis 1-3 was honestly dry and not very interesting. His deep focus on ex nihilo (an important doctrine, but not a part of the Genesis account) frustrated me. Further those first few chapters were doing a lot of heavy lifting to point to Genesis actually historically happening but I found them to argue for little more than this. I almost quit the book before moving onto Genesis 4. I’m very glad I didn’t though.
2. Later when he does offer some interesting insights, particularly into genealogies he doesn’t site many sources. I know that is part of an older, popular level work, but I want to follow up further on some of these thoughts.
My very favorite part of this book was his take on genealogies as historical but not chronological, as I. They were not provided to offer us a chronology of pre-Abraham’s history. I was shocked when he dated the flood past 20,000 BC, being a conservative as he is. But I think his reasoning is much less suspect for that reason. Above after his flood date he is fighting heartily against naturalistic geology. This tells me he is not buying into a liberal, atheistic reading of history, yet he still respects the helpful contributions secular science can offer.
Also the last few pages where he really focuses on the theological worldview implications were excellent.
March 28, 2016
I really enjoyed this book and it left me wondering how I had never read anything by Francis Schaeffer before. His writing style appeals to a layman like myself, and his logical arguments lead to conclusions that make sense and strengthen my faith. His simple premise; that Genesis is true, real history, the history of mankind as well as God's story of redemption, is presented in a logical, step-wise format. Although there are a few non-critical points that I disagree with, overall, it is a great presentation of the history of the dawn of man and God's working through it from the beginning. There are a few places that I, like my friend Charlene, read and think, "So what?"; meaning it is something I have already known foundationally and haven't questioned, but in that case, we have to realize Schaeffer's audience, which was intellectuals and "intellectual" Christians of the late 20th century who were questioning some of these foundational truths and trying to reconcile them with secular and scientific thought. All in all, a great read and I will look forward to reading more of his works.
October 9, 2012
I liked this a lot. It was basically a Bible study on the first 12 chapters of Genesis. The focus was on how the events described are "space and time" (real and literal) events.
Two things that I couldn't let pass though. . . (1) Schaffer says that it is "impossible" for the earth to be created in 6, 24 hour days. While I do not think that this is a major theological point (just as long as you know God made all) it does perturb me that Schaffer declares it impossible. For ALL things are possible with God. (2) Schaffer states that women have more children because of the fall than they would have had if we had not fallen. He uses the word "conception" ("I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception" Gen 3:16 KJV) as the same as number of children. I think this is wrong. I mean, seriously? How many times does God say 'Children are a blessing." Last time I checked nothing mentioned in the curses given out by God are later said to be a blessing.
Two things that I couldn't let pass though. . . (1) Schaffer says that it is "impossible" for the earth to be created in 6, 24 hour days. While I do not think that this is a major theological point (just as long as you know God made all) it does perturb me that Schaffer declares it impossible. For ALL things are possible with God. (2) Schaffer states that women have more children because of the fall than they would have had if we had not fallen. He uses the word "conception" ("I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception" Gen 3:16 KJV) as the same as number of children. I think this is wrong. I mean, seriously? How many times does God say 'Children are a blessing." Last time I checked nothing mentioned in the curses given out by God are later said to be a blessing.
June 6, 2016
I was in the library the other day and was curious what books by Francis Schaeffer were in the collection. Lots, it turned out, and I gleefully checked out half a dozen titles. I just finished Genesis in Space and Time, and it might be the best book on Genesis I've ever read.
I read Schaeffer's Escape from Reason long ago, but I unsuccessfully attempted to read his book The God Who Is There three or four times before really getting into it this spring. Up next is He Is There and He Is Not Silent. Schaeffer represents what is both challenging and rewarding in tacking Heidegger or Kirkegaard. The best books are those that require you to wrestle with them, to work at following their logic and understanding their ideas.
I'd love to sit in on a conversation among CS Lewis, GK Chesterton, Peter Kreeft, and Schaeffer. It's a joy to read their level of analysis in their works.
I read Schaeffer's Escape from Reason long ago, but I unsuccessfully attempted to read his book The God Who Is There three or four times before really getting into it this spring. Up next is He Is There and He Is Not Silent. Schaeffer represents what is both challenging and rewarding in tacking Heidegger or Kirkegaard. The best books are those that require you to wrestle with them, to work at following their logic and understanding their ideas.
I'd love to sit in on a conversation among CS Lewis, GK Chesterton, Peter Kreeft, and Schaeffer. It's a joy to read their level of analysis in their works.
April 9, 2014
Excellent.
A study of Genesis 1-11 - not a commentary.
Schaeffer emphasizes the flow of redemptive history at each point, doesn't get bogged down in minor detail, and rejects humanistic science or philosophy that assumes and asserts a closed uniform world system. But neither is he dogmatic about uncertain detail in Scripture as some creation scientists today can be.
An example of this is the geneologies of chapters 5 and 10. They are not given for chronology (counting the years between the flood and Babel, for instance), and shouldn't be used that way, as there are some gaps.
Written in 1972, but this would be my first and highest recommendation to any Christian looking for some supplemental study on the early chapters of Genesis.
A study of Genesis 1-11 - not a commentary.
Schaeffer emphasizes the flow of redemptive history at each point, doesn't get bogged down in minor detail, and rejects humanistic science or philosophy that assumes and asserts a closed uniform world system. But neither is he dogmatic about uncertain detail in Scripture as some creation scientists today can be.
An example of this is the geneologies of chapters 5 and 10. They are not given for chronology (counting the years between the flood and Babel, for instance), and shouldn't be used that way, as there are some gaps.
Written in 1972, but this would be my first and highest recommendation to any Christian looking for some supplemental study on the early chapters of Genesis.
June 26, 2011
I'm not sure I totally understand his concept of the mannishness of man. It makes some intuitive sense to me, but I feel like there could be a whole book explaining exactly what he means by this. I probably need to reread at least the beginning of the book a couple more times to understand what he was talking about.
I'm not sure if this is actually categorized as commentary-- but it's close to it if it isn't. It is the first "commentary" that I've actually enjoyed reading and one that I am looking forward to rereading. I'm going to need to reread this before drawing conclusions either way, but I can tell there is a lot of good thinking going on in this book.
I'm not sure if this is actually categorized as commentary-- but it's close to it if it isn't. It is the first "commentary" that I've actually enjoyed reading and one that I am looking forward to rereading. I'm going to need to reread this before drawing conclusions either way, but I can tell there is a lot of good thinking going on in this book.
July 18, 2012
Concise book, especially given the title and subtitle. Space and time refer to the historicity of the accounts. In other words, they happened in space-time, or in even other words, the stories are true. Schaeffer grasps the meta-narrative of Scripture and presents the first eleven chapters of Genesis as foundational.
Schaeffer was an intellectual and grapples with high concepts. You may need to read it, let it simmer, and come back to it again. I wouldn't consider this intro level, but it is very strengthening to a biblical worldview. I recommend it.
Schaeffer was an intellectual and grapples with high concepts. You may need to read it, let it simmer, and come back to it again. I wouldn't consider this intro level, but it is very strengthening to a biblical worldview. I recommend it.
May 27, 2016
This was the first book of Schaeffer's I have read that not primarily philosophical and apologetical. As a simple exposition of the book of Genesis, Schaeffer does his usual excellent job laying out the antithesis to humanist thought. Chapters 1-3 are covered in rather more detail than the rest of Genesis, which is covered more thematically. This makes since because 1-3 are the foundation for the rest of God's plan of redemption. Those who might have been intimidated by Schaeffer's other works would find this very readable.
January 25, 2016
I loved this look into the first chapters of the Bible by Francis Schaeffer. Insightful and intellectual, yet rooted in sound doctrine and theology, this book is a fantastic companion to the Genesis account. There have been many theories thrown around about Genesis, and while it's understandable that we sometimes misunderstand our origins story (some citing it as merely a poem, etc.), Schaeffer brings incredible clarity to these origins. I'd highly recommend anyone serious about biblical study to go to this resource first when studying Genesis.
June 3, 2018
A great book. He does a great job showing the importance of the first 11 chapters of Genesis to the history of the Bible.
He shows that they are real history of real events.
I don't agree with all he says. He argues that the genealogies are incomplete so that we really don't know how long ago the creation took place or how long ago the flood took place. Beginning at Abraham, he does accept subsequent genealogies. However, I did not let that affect my appreciation of a truly great book. I do recommend it highly!
He shows that they are real history of real events.
I don't agree with all he says. He argues that the genealogies are incomplete so that we really don't know how long ago the creation took place or how long ago the flood took place. Beginning at Abraham, he does accept subsequent genealogies. However, I did not let that affect my appreciation of a truly great book. I do recommend it highly!
March 8, 2023
Though written in the 1970s, the questions and facts Schaeffer wrestles with are tremendously applicable today. In this book he takes us through the Bible's take on the origin of the universe, of humanity, and of early Biblical characters like Noah. Schaeffer knows many of the questions you have in your heart about these topics and goes through them in turn.
Full summary here: http://theblackpenguin.net/philosophy...
Full summary here: http://theblackpenguin.net/philosophy...
July 15, 2019
Schaeffer's commentary on Genesis addresses the identity crisis of modern human beings and expounds upon the first nine chapters or so of Genesis. He highlights especially the theme of separation that appears in Genesis: separation of man from God, man from woman, man from man, man from nature, and man from self. Responding to the existentialism and drug culture of his day, Schaeffer calls on people to realize their origin and their need for reconciliation with the God who is there.
November 25, 2016
Excellent work
There are many commentaries on scripture that concern themselves with explaining passages verse by verse. While these are good,Francis Schaeffer takes it farther and relates the passages to the whole of life. I had been looking for this for a longtime and am happy that I found it.
There are many commentaries on scripture that concern themselves with explaining passages verse by verse. While these are good,Francis Schaeffer takes it farther and relates the passages to the whole of life. I had been looking for this for a longtime and am happy that I found it.
January 24, 2020
An excellent commentary on the first 11 chapters of Genesis. Schaeffer is not so concerned with the detail as much as the worldview implications and the historicity of what unfolds. It was his particular purpose to show the 'flow of Biblical history'. Some very good insight.
April 24, 2018
Genesis in Space and Time; The Flow of Biblical History (Bible Commentary for Layman) by Francis A. Schaeffer (?)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews