The Genesis Cataclysm
Proposing a Noahic Global Flood within an Old-Earth Scriptural Paradigm
Foreword by John Marshall Crowe and Edward N. Martin
Imprint: Resource Publications
Are there sufficient evidences to plausibly warrant positing a global Noahic Flood within the auspices of a specific Old-Earth biblical paradigm? If so, what are they? It is our firm conviction that God has allowed the passage of time to cover the blatant earthen signs of the Noahic Flood in such a way, and just enough, as to require earnest seekers of truth to use their eyes of faith and their vision of the kingdom metanarrative--along with their empirical sight and senses--to view and interpret the richness of the evidence. Prerequisites in this quest include a great respect for the authority of Holy Scripture, a pure heart with a simple desire for God's truth, and a relentless willingness to look for both "the forest and the trees" (viz., to see the multitudes of seemingly unrelated small scenes always in light of the big picture). The negation of any of these necessities will completely nullify the veracity of one's conclusions. However, we strongly aver that the totality of these necessities can bring the historical truth of the mystery of the Noahic Flood into a much, much greater clarity.
W. Joseph Stallings is a Christian evidential apologist, a devout Wesleyan theologian, and a longtime pastor in the North Carolina Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. He is also the author of The Genesis Column (2018) and Unleashing the Work of God (2019).
“The Genesis Cataclysm goes where no other book has gone. With hermeneutical acumen and scientific prowess, Dr. Joe Stallings makes an insurmountable argument in favor of a literal flood story in support of the biblical narrative and natural science. The book seamlessly blends theology and science into a single narrative that tells God’s story. . . . His attention to detail and his ability to probe every possible counter-argument reflects his critical thinking and proves that he is a scholar-theologian fully capable of teaching the church on this matter. I encourage all truth-seekers to read this book! (But, please, read his The Genesis Column first.)”
—William P. Payne, Professor of Evangelism and World Missions, Ashland Theological Seminary
“The Genesis Cataclysm is yet another thoroughly researched project, the biblical-geologic follow-up to its predecessor, The Genesis Column. Whatever your disposition concerning the old earth/new earth debates, Dr. Stallings continues to challenge and push the interpretive envelope bringing inspired biblical research and the conclusions of geological science into a deep and fruitful conversation. Here is a cataclysmic flood of fresh insight that will enlighten both those who teach and preach Scripture as well as anyone called to delve into the fissures and strata of the Bible. Genesis has become an exploratorium for this faithful theological scientist, and we are grateful to wander through the exhibits that he has placed on display.”
—Thomas K. Stephenson, Pastor, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Wilmington, Ohio