The Lost World of the Flood

Mythology, Theology, and the Deluge Debate

By: Tremper Longman III, John H. Walton, Stephen O. Moshier - contributor

Narrated by: Adam Verner

Length: 5 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

"The flood continued forty days on the earth; and the waters increased, and bore up the ark, and it rose high above the earth . . . and the ark floated on the face of the waters." (Gen 6:17-18 NRSV)

In our modern age the Genesis flood account has been probed and analyzed for answers to scientific, apologetic, and historical questions. It is a text that has called forth flood geology, fueled searches for remnants of the ark on Mount Ararat, and inspired a full-size replica of Noah's ark in a biblical theme park. Some claim that the very veracity of Scripture hinges on a particular reading of the flood narrative. But do we understand what we are reading? Longman and Walton urge us to hit the pause button and ask, what might the biblical author have been saying to his ancient audience?

As with other books in the Lost World series, The Lost World of the Flood is an informative and enlightening journey toward a more responsible reading of a timeless biblical narrative.

©2018 Tremper Longman III and John H. Walton (P)2019 Tantor

Great book explaining the Biblical flood account

This book in one in a series of books which enable believers and nonbelievers to take the Bible seriously but not literally. It highlights where Christians throughout time have misinterpreted the Bible and God and invited ridicule by trying to make the Bible says things that was never intended. A huge thank you to the authors.

For open minded readers

Lots of food for thought! Approach the content with an open mind and you will be rewarded with fresh insights.

Literarily or Literally?

As our understanding in science, history, and ancient civilizations progresses through discovery and serious scholarship, the question of whether we should take the Bible literally or literarily is always going to surface. The Bible is a literary masterpiece and cannot be continued to be distorted into literal understandings without serious consequence. Those that blindly hold to literal readings choose to be ignorant of incredible scholarship and insight into the message the Bible actually expresses. This book is another well defended nail in the coffin of the perspective that the Bible should be ripped from its context and be treated as a modern accounting of history or science. Poetry and polemic are a much more accurate depiction of what it's pages contain. Instead of losing meaning or impact, understanding it in its natural context amplifies the Gospel and the Good Nature of God. Thank you to the writers for adding another "Lost World" book to further the understanding of the Text so near to our hearts. Great read, wonderful arguments, and serious critique without being disrespectful. Recommended.

Great book, but probably wouldn't convert.

I liked the book, bought into it, but I don't believe it would have convert anyone who wasn't already part of the way there. Must read other Lost World books to fully grasp this one.

Definitely worth the read/listen

Don’t agree with every conclusion or even assumption or “fact” put forth but this needs to be part of the conversation. Good job!

pretty good

Interesting and helpful in developing a broader understanding of the flood story. I found the lost world of Genesis 1 both more compelling and better narrated though.

May God bless you

I loved it and am truly greatful to God for John Walton who I truly believe God uses, among others, to find and save from a legion of clamoring voices and a brilliant reminder to always try my best to be loyal to the authority and intent of God's Word and Spirit first and to trust in Him.

review

soso, book tries to use critical thinking and logic to get a point across thea as a Christian people should understand the difference between literal and hyperbole, and understand what a type and shadow mean. excellent narration. christians should try to understand that the people who put the bible had personal agendas just like we all do.

Disappointed- Less Biblical Focus More Secular

I listened to the Lost World of Genesis and the Adam and Eve book. I thought the Lost World of Genesis was very helpful in how it helped people to have a better understanding of the Hebrew words and how the current culture would have understood those words. I didn’t find this book helpful in that way at all.

It seemed so odd that they would claim specific details in the Biblical account of the ark dimensions would just be hyperbole. “This is the way you are to make it: the length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits (450’ x 75’ x 45’). You shall make a window [for light and ventilation] for the ark, and finish it to at least a cubit (eighteen inches) from the top—and set the [entry] door of the ark in its side; and you shall make it with lower, second and third decks.” Genesis‬ ‭6:15-16‬ ‭AMP‬‬

I understand that a literary technique can be to exaggerate when telling a story but these verses read as a instruction blueprint not a random exaggeration for literary effect.

Also the fact that the authors questioned the size of the ark since no other ships have been made this large with wood. The thing that the authors seemed to miss or ignore was the fact that this wasn’t a vessel intended to navigate the waters or sail on the seas, they didn’t need to navigate it was intended to be a floating house/zoo so of course it wouldn’t be made like any other ship because it’s function was totally different.

The thing that agitated me the most while listening to it was that instead of them just focusing on the Hebrew words and ancient cultural understanding it seemed like they kept trying to communicate, ‘This is what God said but he didn’t really mean it. He couldn’t have gotten his version of the story right because of what current geologist have found.’🤦‍♀️ What the heck?

This book seemed to have such a more secular slant and minimizes God, His Word and His abilities of what He could do. I was very disappointed with this book and will be returning it.

Disappointing

Concluding that all words in the Torah are symbolic and not meant to convey any actual true history is to ignore evidence historically and archeologically to the contrary. There is symbolism and idioms of the time period and literary agents used certainly but there is also historic facts that are still being confirmed to this day.