BookPoint Book Reviews

Genesis for Today by Dr Andy McIntosh

Published by Day One

As a scientist, Andy McIntosh is well able to show that the early chapters of the book of Genesis gave a factual and reliable record of creation. But he does more than that. He demonstrates that Genesis is the foundation book for the whole of Scripture. Genesis is the book of beginnings and in a sense, the rest of the Bible fills in the details of what is hinted at in Genesis.

For buildings and indeed for all structures, the foundation is the most important component for stability. So in Genesis, the sovereignty of God is shown in and from creation onwards. The sinful nature of mankind after Adam disobeyed God’s command is clearly shown, together with the universal effect of the Fall. The later scriptures fill in how God dealt with the consequences of Adam’s sin by sending a Saviour, the seed of the woman, so that all who trust in Him, Jesus Christ, are saved from death.

After showing that there is no conflict between Genesis and science, Andy McIntosh deals with the historicity of Genesis, the basis of marriage - which is the fundamental human relationship, family life, the Sabbath, showing that all these are laid down in Genesis. The gospel of the grace of God in salvation is found in Genesis, and the person and work of the Saviour clearly described.

The major part of Andy McIntosh’s book is written in such a way that those without a scientific background can follow his argument. For those with a scientific bent, appendices give scientific evidence showing order and design in creation, the facts that demonstrate a universal flood, and the witness of fossils and rocks to the catastrophic destruction of the world that existed before the flood.

For the Bible-believing Christian, Andy McIntosh confirms that Genesis is a reliable historical record. In a climate where the theory of evolution is regarded as proved beyond doubt, and that those who believe in creation and a divine Creator are either stupid or wilfully ignorant, ‘Genesis for Today’ shows how unreliable is the evidence on which evolution is based. The main part of Andy McIntosh’s book comprises 136 easily read pages. It can recommended unreservedly to young Christians who want to know what the Bible says. It can also be recommended to more mature believers who want to keep up with arguments substantiating the creationist position written by a scientist.