Reviewing John Walton’s newest entry in the Lost World series: [New Explorations in the Lost World of Genesis](https://www.amazon.com/New-Explorations-Lost-World-Genesis/dp/1514004917/ref=sr_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.17aFSFPjthU1kDyJ55XDvoMFMFN79Gqkb7wNstMXUqfRbPnKWdpx85z05kxzwUJus3a3ezG9wdnu3nGzHQRNkD_OFQcPEPWVkdGlEYc59CJJM0iCw621eMMmCviaVqFNSeJ2Iw09GLQ1a7Eih74iBnabp3WkDK6EjSfjkU5Fc1YpDEbVfEVu9_6jW5zqbc6jM63SsJCpC7BVsZY5nU-6nBKrpQWTTt7yq2cGGB2aW1g.oGHerNGBGCX8evvhJoHYiKhW6ayWj_b2Cn2T7bieBj0&dib_tag=se&keywords=walton&qid=1747972565&sr=8-3). With clarity and candor, Carey explores Walton’s theological evolution—particularly the move from “functional” to “ordered” creation—and discusses the role of biblical theology in understanding Genesis 1–3.
Carey also responds to popular-level criticisms of Walton’s work, emphasizing the need for good-faith engagement and theological humility. Along the way, she previews ideas from J. Harvey Walton’s dissertation and highlights the foundational theme of covenant, presence, and participation with God—over and above the traditional sin-salvation narrative.
What you'll hear in this episode:
- Why biblical theology matters and how it differs from systematic theology
- Walton’s shift from “functional” to “ordered” creation
- A defense against bizarre and shallow critiques
- The Eden debate: temple or divine space?
- Adam as priest—or not?
- A call for thoughtful, communal theological conversation
This episode is for anyone curious about origins, Genesis 1–3, and how to responsibly engage Scripture in its ancient context.
Blog post on biblical theology mentioned: [What Is Biblical Theology?](https://www.genesismarksthespot.com/blog/what-is-biblical-theology/)
Website: [genesismarksthespot.com](http://genesismarksthespot.com/)
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot
Music credit: "Marble Machine" by Wintergatan
Link to Wintergatan’s website: https://wintergatan.net/
Link to the original Marble Machine video by Wintergatan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvUU8joBb1Q&ab_channel=Wintergatan
00:00:00 Good morning, John Walton.
00:03:25 Reclaiming the Lost World: What’s Biblical Theology Anyway?
00:06:02 From Functional to Ordered Creation
00:08:07 Theology Isn’t a Solo Sport: On Thinking in Community
00:10:08 What Is Biblical Theology, Really?
00:15:51 Presence, Not Just Salvation: A New Canonical Meta-Narrative
00:19:51 Walton, Heiser, and the Danger of Poisoned Wells
00:22:42 Critics Gonna Critic: Footnotes, Family, and Exegesis
00:27:47 Deploying the Old Testament: Not Redefining, Redeploying
00:32:24 Presence, Covenant, and the Real Meta-Narrative
00:37:59 Eden: Temple or Divine Space?
00:41:13 Is Adam a Priest or Not?
00:44:13 Covenant in Genesis 2–3: Is It There?
00:46:51 Order Through Covenant, Not Civilization
00:49:06 The Purpose of Covenant Isn’t Just Rules
00:52:28 Ideas Have Weight: Why Theology Requires Method
00:54:56 Redeploying the Sabbath: Practical Theology from Ancient Wisdom
00:56:43 Should You Read This Book?
00:57:37 What’s Next: Heiser, Divine Council, and More
00:59:20 Sign-Off: Not About Finding the Lost Ark…