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Creation And Change: Genesis 1:1–2:4 in the Light of Changing Scientific Paradigms
In this book, Professor Douglas Kelly persuasively argues for a literal interpretation of the six-day account of creation found in Genesis chapters 1 and 2. He assesses both the biblical details and the scientific data to show that there is a convincing and scientifically viable case for this understanding. This new edition, written twenty years after the original, contains important revisions and additional chapters, bringing this insightful and relevant volume up-to-date with developments in this field.
345 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2000
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267 people want to read
About the author
Douglas F. Kelly
29 books15 followersDr. Kelly is the Professor of Theology Emeritus. Dr. Kelly received his B.A. from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Diploma from the University of Lyon, his B.D. from the Union Theological Seminary, and his Ph. D. from the University of Edinburgh. He is the author of many written works including, If God Already Knows, Why Pray?, Preachers with Power: Four Stalwarts of the South, New Life in the Wasteland, Creation and Change, and The Emergence of Liberty in the Modern World. His firm grasp of multiple languages and his theological competence are capably demonstrated in translating such works as Sermons by John Calvin on II Samuel. He is serving with David Wright of the University of Edinburgh as a general editor for a revision of Calvin’s Old Testament Commentaries. Before joining the faculty at RTS, Dr. Kelly traveled extensively throughout the world preaching and teaching. He was also enlisted to serve on the Jurisprudence project of The Christian Legal Society and serves on the Credentials Committee of the Central Carolina Presbytery.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 23, 2018
Excellent overview of an important topic! The new material in the updated edition is fantastic and the citations are valuable for readers who want to dig in deeper. May God use this work to correct the declension in the Reformed churches on this issue!
July 29, 2019
This is not the best book I've read on this topic or any other, and it doesn't exactly present an iron-clad case for six-day young-earth creationism - but it does pose some helpful questions and points toward a way to look critically at "scientifically accepted" beliefs without adopting an ostrich mentality towards all science in general. More specifically, Prof. Kelly does cling with admirable tenacity to the primacy of God's revelation through Scripture over all other sources of knowledge, and he does raise some valid concerns about various evangelical attempts to reconcile Scripture with the testimony of current scientific data.
On a technical note, this book has a number of typos and could use some better editing - and particularly toward the end it seems to lose focus/organization a bit. At times the author seems more intent on meditating on the beauties of six-day creationism as if they were already proven beyond doubt. To his credit, he frankly admits in the opening of the book that he's not a scientist, so if he sometimes seems to be in a bit over his head with all of the technical stuff, he is at least aware of that. He is sometimes too quick to latch on to theories and ideas that, even by his own admission, are problematic and have no real proof as of yet.
That said, I did find the book to be an enjoyable read, and I appreciate the author's attempt to put forward a theologically and scientifically valid argument for his views. The most valuable part of the book was his critique of evolutionary theory and his argument - well cited with other sources that seem to be worth reading - that evolution is indeed "a theory in crisis". If six-day creationism is not the right answer, it seems at least equally plausible, from the scientific data alone, that evolution isn't either.
On a technical note, this book has a number of typos and could use some better editing - and particularly toward the end it seems to lose focus/organization a bit. At times the author seems more intent on meditating on the beauties of six-day creationism as if they were already proven beyond doubt. To his credit, he frankly admits in the opening of the book that he's not a scientist, so if he sometimes seems to be in a bit over his head with all of the technical stuff, he is at least aware of that. He is sometimes too quick to latch on to theories and ideas that, even by his own admission, are problematic and have no real proof as of yet.
That said, I did find the book to be an enjoyable read, and I appreciate the author's attempt to put forward a theologically and scientifically valid argument for his views. The most valuable part of the book was his critique of evolutionary theory and his argument - well cited with other sources that seem to be worth reading - that evolution is indeed "a theory in crisis". If six-day creationism is not the right answer, it seems at least equally plausible, from the scientific data alone, that evolution isn't either.
January 8, 2021
Fantastic. If you are on the fence about evolution and how it relates to Genesis, this book is helpful. Really technical scientifically but Kelly does a great job of being exegetical and scientifically rigorous in a 220 page book. Highly recommend if you are looking for a Biblical approach to creation and scientific refutation of evolution.
January 29, 2011
Stylistic frustrations aside, this is a fine read and a worthwhile addition to any library.
Kelly lays out his motivation for writing in the Preface: "While the time has not come when we honestly claim incontrovertible proof of the youth of the solar system, I believe the time has come when we may properly raise foundational questions about the philosophical framework and methodologies said to establish its high antiquity beyond anyone's propriety to doubt."
For those who have embraced non-literal readings of Genesis 1-2 (e.g., framework theory), this book is a good starting point to challenge such positions. Kelly argues fairly and candidly, mixed with a hearty dose of humility. Along with ably laying out his position, he also handles most of the major objections to his position and responds to them with a mixture of Scriptural exegesis, philosophical inquiry, and references from the Patristics. (Kelly quotes heavily from the Patristics-and T.F. Torrance-which is a wonderful help in bringing the analogy of faith to bear on the discussion.)
Regarding his exposition, I didn't feel he did much original work. For example, in working though the text of Genesis 1-2 (which is very helpful) he relies heavily on the exposition of Umberto Cassuto. Nevertheless, the information he gathers in this book provides helpful resources for the student and pastor. Sadly, one of the strongest theological arguments against a non-literal reading of Genesis (no death before the fall, Rom 5), is relegated to a footnote in Chapter 10 and then later to a few brief sentences.
Regarding his scientific data, owing to the fact that is was written in 1997 and that he is no scientist, one suspects these portions of the book need serious updates and revisions.
Overall, the book just feels dated.
Near the end, Kelly concludes with a delicious quotation from McCheyne. It's like a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Kelly lays out his motivation for writing in the Preface: "While the time has not come when we honestly claim incontrovertible proof of the youth of the solar system, I believe the time has come when we may properly raise foundational questions about the philosophical framework and methodologies said to establish its high antiquity beyond anyone's propriety to doubt."
For those who have embraced non-literal readings of Genesis 1-2 (e.g., framework theory), this book is a good starting point to challenge such positions. Kelly argues fairly and candidly, mixed with a hearty dose of humility. Along with ably laying out his position, he also handles most of the major objections to his position and responds to them with a mixture of Scriptural exegesis, philosophical inquiry, and references from the Patristics. (Kelly quotes heavily from the Patristics-and T.F. Torrance-which is a wonderful help in bringing the analogy of faith to bear on the discussion.)
Regarding his exposition, I didn't feel he did much original work. For example, in working though the text of Genesis 1-2 (which is very helpful) he relies heavily on the exposition of Umberto Cassuto. Nevertheless, the information he gathers in this book provides helpful resources for the student and pastor. Sadly, one of the strongest theological arguments against a non-literal reading of Genesis (no death before the fall, Rom 5), is relegated to a footnote in Chapter 10 and then later to a few brief sentences.
Regarding his scientific data, owing to the fact that is was written in 1997 and that he is no scientist, one suspects these portions of the book need serious updates and revisions.
Overall, the book just feels dated.
Near the end, Kelly concludes with a delicious quotation from McCheyne. It's like a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
February 17, 2013
Even though I only gave it 3 stars, I would say this is one of the more beneficial books I have read lately. I really appreciated how the author took me through the text of Genesis against the backdrop of scientific and not so scientific study. D. Kelly points to many good resources, articles and books for further study. There's so much in science that is assumed, presupposed and taken on faith. Worldview and presupposition matter greatly when trying to understand why people say what they say. This book is a good introduction into the debate on origins.
August 23, 2021
A helpful contribution to the old earth/young earth debate. More gracious and balanced in tone that some of the young earth books I have come across. I appreciate the author's loyally to Scripture, but remain unconvinced by some of the suggested exegesis. It is not helpful to keep insisting "we are just taking the Bible for what it plainly says" when alternate understandings deserve legitimate consideration. For instance, the insistence that the Hebrew word for "day" in Genesis 1 MUST refer to a solar day of 24 hours is by no means a given. After all, the word "day" is used in Genesis 2:4 to refer to the entire creation event, and the events of day 6 seem to indicate more than a few hours (creation of animals, creation of Adam, naming of animals, creation of Eve "at last!!"). He cites the oft-repeated argument that when "day" is connected with a cardinal number (first, second, etc.) THEN it has to mean 24 hours. I see no reason why that must be so. It seems like a rule made up from thin air out of desperation.
But this is one point in a book that tackles a diverse and complex subject, and most of the time I found it convincing. The reality is that the interested and critically engaged reader is not likely to find any book on this subject that will "hit all the right notes" for him. This one is worth reading.
But this is one point in a book that tackles a diverse and complex subject, and most of the time I found it convincing. The reality is that the interested and critically engaged reader is not likely to find any book on this subject that will "hit all the right notes" for him. This one is worth reading.
November 16, 2018
It has been awhile since I have visited this topic, and this book was a much better book than I was anticipating. Kelly interacts with various scholars from various stripes (including a lot quotes from Joseph Ratzinger, aka Pope Benedict). He is humble in declaring what he is sure of and where he believes he could be wrong.
Since the book is almost 20 years old, some of it might be dated, especially the scientific portions of the book - I have no idea if his data still stands. Also because of the date of the book it doesn’t deal with perhaps the biggest origins issue facing evangelicals today - the conclusions about origins drawn from genetic studies.
But all said, excellent exegetical theology, and some surprising pastoral warmth.
Since the book is almost 20 years old, some of it might be dated, especially the scientific portions of the book - I have no idea if his data still stands. Also because of the date of the book it doesn’t deal with perhaps the biggest origins issue facing evangelicals today - the conclusions about origins drawn from genetic studies.
But all said, excellent exegetical theology, and some surprising pastoral warmth.
April 24, 2019
This one took me awhile to get through. It’s pretty dense and is chalked full of thought-provoking information and theories. However, it does well to defend the traditional outlook of the Genesis story in part by arguing we’re in the midst of a major paradigm shift regarding evolution and creation, which Thomas Kuhn would say we don’t really know until we’re on the other side of one. Nevertheless, Kelly acknowledges this and simply points out little-known breakthroughs in science and archeology of the last 20+ years that may eventually lead us back to a more literal understanding of Genesis.
March 13, 2024
What a timely read in today's climate. The importance of having Genesis 1 to your worldview can not be emphasized enough. Dr. Kelly poses some fascinating commentary that were prophetic at the time of writing and now would be considered a post-op. A couple chapters in this book are speculative and to be frank, way over my head but interesting things to nosh on. Recommend to anyone that is wanting to strengthen their worldview and their faith in the Word of God.
September 21, 2024
Wonderful book detailing a young-earth, six-day creation, which begins with a solid exegetical defense. It continues with a walk-through of scientific paradigms on pivotal issues, and rounds out with a walk-through of days one through seven. I particularly enjoyed the defense portion of the book, and will gladly recommend it to others. Full disclosure: I'm partial to Dr. Kelly after having listened to his classes on the RTS app.
November 21, 2025
Certainly helpful in many ways in supporting a six day creation position. Some questions of interest to me were not addressed, other areas not of interest to me were addressed at length. Pick and choose which chapters are most relevant to your particular questions and Kelly's work is balanced and well researched.
August 29, 2024
This has very different levels of accessibility. I understand the gender arguments, the lack of organized rock levels, but the change in speed of light and other arguments evade me. I would read it again to understand! Also interested in many of his sources!
September 4, 2017
Really interesting. I wonder if some of the scientific data is dated at this point. Probably needs an update to be truly helpful.
August 15, 2025
Absolutely exceptional
April 7, 2009
Despite the “vast preponderance of evidence” cited by numerous scientists in all disciplines, the debate between creationism and materialism continues to rage with the same intensity it has since the HMS Beagle first returned to port, with most of the opposition stemming from the Christian church. Increasingly, however, many denominations have shifted to the teaching of a kind of “theistic evolution”, attempting to rationalize biblical teaching in light of the current scientific paradigm. Are the dissenting opinions then simply the impotent fury of uneducated backwater evangelical fundamentalist zealots? Or are there, possibly, scientifically and theological valid reasons for challenging the established model in favor of the orthodox position? In his book, Creation and Change, Douglas Kelly argues that, yes, the prevailing evolutionary notions can be questioned while still maintaining academic integrity.
The author himself is quick to point out that he is a theologian, not a scientist, and accordingly his primary argument is from biblical exegesis. In order to reconcile the claims of modern science with the biblical account of creation, proponents of theistic evolution teach that the first several chapters of Genesis must be interpreted symbolically. In order to provide the vast amount of time which evolution requires, the days described in Genesis 1 must actually be eras spanning millions of years. The fiat creation of life is certainly a metaphor for God’s guiding hand in the evolutionary development of the species, culminating in the appearance of homo sapien sapien. Kelly points out that, strikingly, both orthodox and liberal scholars agree on one point regarding this view: both affirm that an exegetical reading of the text reveals that the original author intended that his account be read literally; six twenty-four hour days of ex-nihilo creation. Liberal scholars, of course, hold this position to be simply the product of primitive human understanding, and certainly not the definitive Truth of God, but the fact that they agree on the interpretation is significant. It lends much weight to the speculation that the attempts by modern Christianity to reconcile Scripture with a materialistic worldview stem from motives other than biblical warrant. To go even further, it can be said that the proponents of theistic evolution have completely abandoned biblical authority on this point, thereby undermining the very basis for their entire system of theology. While this view might not be especially popular at present, Kelly’s defense of it is very forthright and well-reasoned. While championing the orthodox position, he is careful to deal objectively with alternative models, both within and outside of the Christian community.
Kelly structures his exegesis by beginning “in the beginning” and, over each of the successive days, discussing the significance of the various viewpoints involved in each act of creation. In each chapter, the theological discussion is followed by a section of “technical and biographical notes”, in which he examines those relevant points where “the truth claims of Holy Scripture directly impinge upon the actually existing world of space, time and matter.” As noted above, the author does not claim to be a scientist, and freely admits that his forays into this realm fall far short of a rigorous scientific examination. That admission notwithstanding, he has sought the advice and input of many who are professional scientists, and factors their counsel into his discussion of the scientific implications of the Scriptural truths he has examined. The stated intent of these portions of the book is not to provide irrefutable proof, but rather to raise “skeptical and foundational questions about the established naturalist explanation of the origins, age, and significance of the physical cosmos.” This is done with the same structured, logical reasoning that marks the biblically oriented portions of the book; those who hold to a creationist view of the world can take comfort in the scientific validity of the objections raised, even if they don’t provide final answers.
Almighty God reigns sovereign over every aspect of His creation. As such, His revelation of Himself in the natural world will always be consistent with His Holy Word. The empirical facts of one need never be contorted or denied to be made to fit the other. In Creation and Change, Douglas Kelly has provided a thought-provoking outline of the main aspects of the creation-evolution debate, and showed how compromise on the part of those who believe in the authority of the Bible is not only unnecessary, but scientifically unwarranted. His work is a testament not only to academic endeavors of humanity, but to the glory of the great God in whose Image we are made.
The author himself is quick to point out that he is a theologian, not a scientist, and accordingly his primary argument is from biblical exegesis. In order to reconcile the claims of modern science with the biblical account of creation, proponents of theistic evolution teach that the first several chapters of Genesis must be interpreted symbolically. In order to provide the vast amount of time which evolution requires, the days described in Genesis 1 must actually be eras spanning millions of years. The fiat creation of life is certainly a metaphor for God’s guiding hand in the evolutionary development of the species, culminating in the appearance of homo sapien sapien. Kelly points out that, strikingly, both orthodox and liberal scholars agree on one point regarding this view: both affirm that an exegetical reading of the text reveals that the original author intended that his account be read literally; six twenty-four hour days of ex-nihilo creation. Liberal scholars, of course, hold this position to be simply the product of primitive human understanding, and certainly not the definitive Truth of God, but the fact that they agree on the interpretation is significant. It lends much weight to the speculation that the attempts by modern Christianity to reconcile Scripture with a materialistic worldview stem from motives other than biblical warrant. To go even further, it can be said that the proponents of theistic evolution have completely abandoned biblical authority on this point, thereby undermining the very basis for their entire system of theology. While this view might not be especially popular at present, Kelly’s defense of it is very forthright and well-reasoned. While championing the orthodox position, he is careful to deal objectively with alternative models, both within and outside of the Christian community.
Kelly structures his exegesis by beginning “in the beginning” and, over each of the successive days, discussing the significance of the various viewpoints involved in each act of creation. In each chapter, the theological discussion is followed by a section of “technical and biographical notes”, in which he examines those relevant points where “the truth claims of Holy Scripture directly impinge upon the actually existing world of space, time and matter.” As noted above, the author does not claim to be a scientist, and freely admits that his forays into this realm fall far short of a rigorous scientific examination. That admission notwithstanding, he has sought the advice and input of many who are professional scientists, and factors their counsel into his discussion of the scientific implications of the Scriptural truths he has examined. The stated intent of these portions of the book is not to provide irrefutable proof, but rather to raise “skeptical and foundational questions about the established naturalist explanation of the origins, age, and significance of the physical cosmos.” This is done with the same structured, logical reasoning that marks the biblically oriented portions of the book; those who hold to a creationist view of the world can take comfort in the scientific validity of the objections raised, even if they don’t provide final answers.
Almighty God reigns sovereign over every aspect of His creation. As such, His revelation of Himself in the natural world will always be consistent with His Holy Word. The empirical facts of one need never be contorted or denied to be made to fit the other. In Creation and Change, Douglas Kelly has provided a thought-provoking outline of the main aspects of the creation-evolution debate, and showed how compromise on the part of those who believe in the authority of the Bible is not only unnecessary, but scientifically unwarranted. His work is a testament not only to academic endeavors of humanity, but to the glory of the great God in whose Image we are made.
April 12, 2014
It has been a while since I have studied the age of the earth/evolution debate. But I feel like I need to stay on top of it. Compromise in this area is common. I really enjoyed Kelly's book. He is a theologian, not scientist. Therefore what he asks is, "What does the Bible say and how can I get science to fit into what the Bible says." Thus he begins with the text and works his way outwards. This is how it should be.
He does a good job of showing that the debate is usually between theistic and naturalistic assumptions. Faith and presuppositions govern both groups. This does not rule out the study of the material world. But it does rule out us studying it without certain presuppositions. He differentiates between empirical science and naturalistic science. He also works through the seven days of creation. He is clear where he disagrees, but he is not normally derisive of his opponents. The book is a bit dated, having come out in 1997. He is well read, quoting numerous pro-evolution and anti-evolution men, secular and Christian scientists, as well as numerous scientific studies in foreign languages.
When he approaches science he is humble and tentative, but still comes to some solid conclusions on things like radiometric dating. Throughout the scientific chapters he notes how assumptions about the past govern our research in the present.
The value of this book lies in his solid exegesis, his humility, and his ability to expose the assumptions that govern how we operate.
He does a good job of showing that the debate is usually between theistic and naturalistic assumptions. Faith and presuppositions govern both groups. This does not rule out the study of the material world. But it does rule out us studying it without certain presuppositions. He differentiates between empirical science and naturalistic science. He also works through the seven days of creation. He is clear where he disagrees, but he is not normally derisive of his opponents. The book is a bit dated, having come out in 1997. He is well read, quoting numerous pro-evolution and anti-evolution men, secular and Christian scientists, as well as numerous scientific studies in foreign languages.
When he approaches science he is humble and tentative, but still comes to some solid conclusions on things like radiometric dating. Throughout the scientific chapters he notes how assumptions about the past govern our research in the present.
The value of this book lies in his solid exegesis, his humility, and his ability to expose the assumptions that govern how we operate.
August 20, 2019
This is a Biblical approach to scientific developments regarding the creation of the world and the beginning of life. It's part philosophical analysis of scientific theories and part exegesis of the Biblical creation story.
If you found yourself frustrated with Ben Stein's documentary "Expelled," because it criticized current evolutionary theories and did not provide a positive defense of "intelligent design," this book will help you gain a better understanding of the "I.D." argument.
Heads up though… this is primarily an academic work and not meant for mass consumption. It’s not a political analysis of why intelligent design theory should or should not be welcome in the classroom.
If you found yourself frustrated with Ben Stein's documentary "Expelled," because it criticized current evolutionary theories and did not provide a positive defense of "intelligent design," this book will help you gain a better understanding of the "I.D." argument.
Heads up though… this is primarily an academic work and not meant for mass consumption. It’s not a political analysis of why intelligent design theory should or should not be welcome in the classroom.
April 19, 2012
Really v good indeed.
April 11, 2015
Great book for anyone interested in the theological and scientific discussion on our origin. Super helpful!
May 28, 2018
Decent analysis of presuppositions of the evolutionary and creation paradigms. Likely needs to be updated.
December 19, 2018
Kelly does a marvelous job of bringing in depth biblical analysis and scientific rigor to these crucial early verses of Genesis. In doing so, he faithfully exegetes the text in its clear meaning and intent, while showing the various scientific theories supporting the Biblical account. Kelly also doesn’t shy away from bringing in liberal views of scripture as well as evolutionary philosophy, demonstrating each’s failure to account for creation and existence. It is quite readable and the questions at the end of each chapter are helpful.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews