“I found Brown’s book instructive and informative for evaluating my own use of Christian writers of the past ages as well as providing essential methodological insights for considering how others have employed the traditional Christian authorities in their arguments. We would all do well to sharpen our techniques of historical evaluation under Brown’s guidance.”
—John Walton, Wheaton College

“A detailed, careful, and fascinating foray into historical interpretations of Genesis. This is a refreshing book, full of historical rigor in the midst of highly contested debate. The author’s concern is for understanding historical authors in their context and appreciating their work for its own merits rather than for polemical purposes. This book is both thorough and thoroughly needed.”
—Kirsten Birkett, Theological Consultant to Church Society 

“An engaging, well-researched, and comprehensive account of premodern interpretations of the Genesis creation narratives. Brown cautions against the simplistic appropriation of past authorities for present controversies, but his work also nicely demonstrates the ongoing relevance of the rich tradition of patristic, medieval, and early modern exegesis.”
—Peter Harrison, University of Queensland 

“What a gift! Andrew Brown gives us a tour de force through what the ancients actually believed about creation. From now on, no one engaged in the modern creation debates will be able to recruit the ancients to bolster their view without consulting this book. Highly recommended.”
—Andrew T. Abernethy, Wheaton College 

Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments
List of Abbreviations
Introduction: The Problem and Purpose of This Book
1. Early Alexandrian Interpretation of Genesis 1 
2. The Millennial Roots of the World-Week Approach to Genesis 1
3. The World-Week Scheme in Historicized Augustine 
4. Three Patristic Literal Interpretations of the Creation Week 
5. Basil’s Borderlands Creation and His Hexaemeral Disciples 
6. Augustine’s Instantaneous Creation 
7. The Middle Ages from Bede to Aquinas 
8. Martin Luther’s Straightforward Creation
9. John Calvin’s Space of Six Days 
10. From the Westminster Confession to John Wesley 
Conclusion: On Revisiting, Not Recruiting, the Ancients 
Glossary
Bibliography
Indexes