Set Apart
How Genesis Stands Alone
“A concise introduction and excellent overview of the distinct features of Genesis 1 compared to the creation myths of ancient Israel’s surrounding cultures. “ —John A. Bloom Professor of Physics Founder and Director of the Master’s Program in Science and Religion Biola University
About the Book
Many contemporary scholars argue that the literary style of Genesis includes elements common to other ancient mythologies. Therefore, they conclude that the text contains literary symbols and not true history.
In Set Apart, Joseph R. Miller reveals that Genesis stands alone among creation stories because it reflects a historical narrative and theological purpose. Miller clearly yet concisely demonstrates for the reader how the Hebrew worldview saw the people, places, and events of Genesis as historical rather than purely religiously symbolic. Discover in the pages of this book why Genesis is not the same as other ancient creation stories.
Check out this AI generated dialogue about my book.
"Because [Miller] writes clearly and simply, persons with little or no theological training will be able to comprehend and appreciate the argument. This book will be especially valuable for laypersons who wish to be equipped to stand against the current destructive trends."
—John N. Oswalt Visiting Distinguished Professor of Old Testament Asbury Theological Seminary
More Books
If you’d like to see what other book’s I’ve had published, you can track everything here on my author’s page.
Other Resources on ANE Myths
The Akkadian and Egyptian Myths of Creation
My interest in the different creation stories dates back to the early 1990’s during my undergraduate studies in Engineering at Penn State University. In my junior year I decided to branch out and take a course in Old Testament. As a Christian, I thought this would be a fun experience, but very quickly my trust in the Bible was challenged and my eyes were opened to a whole new world divine legend. My class was taught by a well respected scholar named Gary N. Knoppers who did not believe Genesis was a true history of creation but just one of many creative imitations floating around the ancient world. Fast forward a few years to my seminary days where I studied Old Testament under the brilliant scholar Roy Hayden. His expertise was in ancient Near East (ANE) civilizations. Dr. Hayden’s passion for the Bible, alongside his knowledge of the ancient world, rekindled my interest in discovering the connection between Genesis and these competing myths. My years of study turned into papers, my papers into turned into dissertations, and now all that work gets boiled down to the release of my very short book
Karl Barth and the Bible as Saga
In my book Set Apart: How Genesis Stands Alone, I explore the creation account in Genesis, arguing that, unlike ancient mythology, the Bible tells us something true about both history and God. This book is important for Christians interested in the study of ancient Near Eastern literature because it counters a popular, and deeply flawed, view that Genes…
Other Resources on Genesis
Genesis and the Words of Creation
In my book, Set Apart: What Makes Genesis Different, I explore how the Hebrew story of creation is distinct from the competing myths of the ancient Near East. To better understand how this story of creation shaped the Hebrew worldview, it is helpful to study the language of Genesis used to describe the days of creation.
In The Image of God
The shirts, sweatshirts, stickers, mugs and more… feature the two Hebrew words from Genesis 1:27 בְּצֶלֶם אֱלֹהִים which remind the world that all humans are created by God “In The Image of God.”
Genesis 1:1—2:3
In this video short I hope to illustrate the literary beauty of the Genesis one story of God’s good creation. By the power of his word, our great God brings everything into existence. With the skill of a craftsman, our wise God forms that which was unformed and fills that which was unfilled. With the gentle touch of a sculptor, our holy Father shapes hu…
Study Guide on the Distinctive Nature of Genesis
Below is a set of study questions subscribers can use for personal study or for a group study of the book.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to More Than Cake to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.