Perspectives on the Historical Adam and Eve: Four Views (Perspectives)
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
The question of the historicity of the biblical Adam and Eve remains a crucial issue for contemporary Christians. The range of Christian beliefs regarding the origin of humanity impacts their understanding of human identity, human uniqueness, and the human condition. Theologically, the historicity of Adam and Eve speaks to original sin, redemption, and God’s plan and purpose for humanity.
Perspectives on the Historical Adam and Eve delves into the anthropological and theological dimensions that shape our understanding of humanity. In an essay-and-response model, four leading evangelical scholars examine the biblical teachings, scientific evidence, and theological and practical implications of each view.
As part of the Perspectives series, this volume presents four distinct positions in dialogue, moderated by volume editor Kenneth Keathley and with an afterword by S. Joshua Swamidass:
the Non-Historical Adam and Eve View (Kenton L. Sparks)
the Mytho-Historical Adam View (William Lane Craig)
the Genealogical Adam and Eve Model (Andrew Loke)
the Recent Adam and Eve View (Marcus R. Ross)
The essays and responses engage with contemporary research into the genealogical Adam and Eve and well as the advancing biblical studies of the Genesis narratives of Adam and Eve as part of the primeval history of Genesis 1–11. Professors, students, pastors, and interested lay readers are invited to join an ongoing and important conversation that has the power to shape their beliefs about human identity, redemption, and God’s divine plan.
The Perspectives series brings together scholars with multiple viewpoints on contested topics in biblical studies, theology, and ministry, allowing them to engage with each other’s ideas and arguments in a point-counterpoint discussion. From their different perspectives, the scholars address a myriad of questions surrounding complex issues, providing the reader with a broader and deeper understanding of the subject.
- Engages with contemporary research into the genealogical Adam and Eve
- Brings together scholars with multiple viewpoints
- Delves into the anthropological and theological dimensions that shape our understanding of humanity
- Title: Perspectives on the Historical Adam and Eve: Four Views
- Author: Kenneth D Keathley
- Series: Perspectives
- Publisher: B&H
- Print Publication Date: 2024
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Pages: 230
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Human beings; Anthropology; Christianity
- ISBNs: 9781087764900, 1087764904
- Resource ID: LLS:PRSPCTVSHSTRVWS
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-11-19T21:07:42Z
Reviews
1 rating
Glenn Crouch
1/10/2025
I read my first 4 views (on the Millennium) back in the early 80s when this was a novel concept. These days there are a plethora of these books - and with series from different publishers even duplication. Given recent genetic and genealogical research, I though that this recent work looking at 4 views on the Historical Adam would be a worthwhile read. Given different views and the topic, I should point out my bias. I was a devout Young Earth Creationist in my youth but have been far more attracted to old Earth models for several decades. I would say that I like the work that C. John Collins has done on Genesis. While I do have a Science degree and a Teaching degree, my areas of expertise are Mathematics and Computer Science - I have read heavily in Physics - and I did study Microbiology and Organic Chemistry at University. I am also a pastor ;-) First let me say that all 4 views are well written and reasonably easy to read. The Non-Historical Adam was the hardest for me to consider as the author and I have significantly different views on Scripture - and his view on Scripture is essential for his argument. I did agree with him on some of his critiques of the articles from the other authors. The Mytho-Historical Adam was the only view written by an author I was familiar with - William Lane Craig. While I appreciated his consideration of genre, this came across more as a philosophical solution rather than one that cames to grips with the New Testament side of the hermeneutics involved. The Genealogical Adam did a better job at presenting a more consistent hermeneutics - but needs more work justifying the ethical side of “non-image humans”. If I had to pick one of the 4 I would probably pick this one - though there is many concerns that it introduces. The Recent Adam is a Young Earth Creationist approach. I was very pleasantly suprised at how much I enjoyed this author. I didn’t agree with him - but his graciousness and gentleness is to be applauded. My break with YEC was motivated by the lack of kindness in so many of the authors. (I have also struggled with this in those from other camps). He probably does the best theological argument of the 4. It seems that when it comes to the Biological side of things, and especially those the revolve around Evolution - it is an all or nothing situation. Where I seem to be free to question various aspects of Quantum Mechanics - this does not seem to be “allowed” when it comes to Evolution. With these views I seem to be being forces into an all or nothing when it comes to genetic modelling - and I did find that a bit disappointing. Would’ve been nice in the Afterword (which was quite good) to perhaps note some of the strengths and weaknesses of the scientific area that is causing this debate ;-)