Goodnight, Adam. Goodnight, Eve. Goodnight, Functional Ontology. - Episode 128

Reviewing John Walton’s newest entry in the Lost World series: New Explorations in the Lost World of Genesis. 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?    

Website: 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

Chapters

• (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…