They Walked with God: Intimate Biographies of Patriarchs from the Book of Genesis

By Duane S. Crowther

Reviewed by Russell Y. Anderson
On 12/27/2009

Horizon Publishers, 2009 Trade Paperback:
238 pages
ISBN-10: 0-88290-968-1
ISBN-13: 978-0-88290-968-4 Price: $17.99

When I look at a title, I assume that I can get some idea what the book is about. I look at this title and wonder if the author is going to give us some interesting perspectives on what it means to "walk with God" or how we can prepare our lives so that we can also walk with God. Although I should have realized that since the LDS curriculum for next year is Old Testament, this might just be a book adapted to the interest of those studying the Old Testament. As I read the book it seems to be intended to the latter audience and purpose.

This book provides a good synthesis of the scriptural sources from the Bible, Pearl of Great Price and also the Joseph Smith Translation. If that is what a person hopes to find they will be well rewarded. But I was expecting more.

Any attempt to write about Genesis will open many possibilities for speculation as the reality of the events and hidden meanings. This book has many examples, but they aren't fully developed.

The author makes one effort to discuss the reason for the long lives of the patriarchs in Genesis. "It is known that this earth was created nigh unto Kolob, and that it no longer is situated in that proximity. It somehow had to be moved to its present location. How did that repositioning take place?" . . . "Did God (or the gods) command it to move, so it moved? Was someone or something set to guide it through space? Was it part of the 'big bang' process, which many modern scientists believe took place? And was it still moving when the long-lived Old Testament patriarchs were functioning, and did mortal life-spans eventually shorten as the earth arrived in its present position? Answers to these questions as yet have not been revealed."

Yes, these answers haven't been revealed, but even postulating that the age of the patriarchs is related to time dilation because of the speed of the movement of the earth (and solar system) through the universe doesn't solve the problem. Traveling close to the speed of light only affects your measurement of time in relationship to another observer that is moving at that speed relative to your motion. The high velocity of the earth would have no impact on the measurement of time on the earth (as measured by those on the earth).

He attempts to deal with the age of the earth or evolution evidences with the following: "Since this earth was created from materials already existing and located in the vicinity of Kolob (see Abraham 3:24), perhaps from earths that had 'passed away' (see Moses 1:35, 38), could the use of those recycled materials have any effect on modern-day scientists' calculations concerning the age of the earth? Could the remains of prehistoric animals and beings have been embedded in those materials before those materials became part of this planet?" (p. 7-8)

He follows those questions a few sentences later with this statement: "It certainly is easier to ask profound questions than to answer them, but those queries are posted here because pondering is good for the soul. Right?"

When talking about Enoch, he discusses the Book of Enoch and copies of this lost book that have been found and published. He then quotes from the Book of Enoch without really telling us which Book of Enoch is being used. Then he tells us, "Those who wish to read more can easily obtain copies from online sources. Be aware that there are several different translations in circulation--they differ slightly in wording, as would be expected. What is not known is whether the actual book of Enoch, as spoken of in Doctrine and Covenants 107:57, is what has been found and is available." (p. 61) Then why quote from it?

When discussing the giants of Genesis 6:1-8, he concludes: "This author is content to categorize these interpretations in his 'I don't know' file and not embrace any position on them." (p. 69)

He doesn't seem to be aware or at least doesn't mention the Documentary Hypothesis of the Biblical manuscripts and therefore makes no discussion about the accuracy of the stories in Genesis. He make no attempt to discuss the contradictions in the text or to give any analysis that would help better understand the manuscript source for the Bible.

I am afraid that I have been pronouncing Melchizedek incorrectly all my life and my wife doesn't want me to change, but the author tells us, "Unfortunately, about half the Saints mispronounce it. They reverse the vowel sounds of the second and fourth syllables. The correct pronunciation is Mel-KIZ-uh-deck, not Mel-KEZ-uh-dick! (The second and fourth syllables should rhyme with 'his' and 'check,' respectively)" (p. 89)

I am not sure if he understands the underlying text of the Bible or how the Bible translators give us words to represent that text. After mentioning that the ancient saints "nickname" the higher priesthood "the Melchizedek Priesthood" he then says, "This may have happened about the same time the decision was made to substitute the name LORD for Jehovah in the ancient scriptures." (p. 95) Does he not realize that LORD in our King James version of the Bible is the translation for Jehovah in the Hebrew text?

In general, I was disappointed with the scholarship and depth of this book. Even the questions he raises don't seem to be intended to teach or educate. When discussing whether Abraham had the priesthood when in Egypt, he quotes from the Figure 3 explanation of Facsimile 2 in the Book of Abraham and then concludes as follows:

"These are questions for which Latter-day Saints, at present, are without an answer. However, they're good items for to put on a list of questions to ask when one arrives on the other side" (p. 114)

I expect more out of a book than just a retelling of the scriptural accounts followed by the scripture sources and some unanswered questions.


Copyright 2009