Within evangelical scholarly circles there continues to be sharp debate as to how one should understand the earliest chapters of Genesis. Some maintain it is a historical narrative meant to be understood "literally", whilst others seek ways to justify a figurative understanding. Those who belong to the latter group typically adopt a somewhat subjective approach to these chapters; at times appearing to undermine the veracity of God's word. Yet by examining how some of the key events of early Genesis are understood in the wider canon of Scripture, one can see that a historical understanding is not only coherent and consistent, it is integral to evangelical belief and practice.