The lost world of Genesis One: ancient cosmology and the origins debate

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.