The evolution of Adam - a conundrum
One can't talk about the possibility that natural evolutionary processes were used by God to create the world and everything in it, without the question of Adam being raised.
Genesis 2 to 5, introduce us to a very intriguing character Adam and his wife Eve. At first glance the account of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden looks very strait forward, simple and to the point.
Which it is on the surface...
But, as one looks deeper, as with the creation account, new layers of depth and complexity quickly appear.
So far in this series, we unpacked some of the layers of the creation account and saw that it was not impossible for the wealth of data that we find recorded in the geological sequences of the earth to be reconciled with this account, without having to resort to all kinds of mental and intellectual gymnastics.
We observed that "the Earth" and "the Waters" were commanded to "bring forth" fish, fowl and beasts.
Hinting at their "creation" and "making" possibly following totally natural processes based on natural laws that we are beginning to increasingly discover and understand.
Things get a little interesting when we move onto the account of Adam, there seem to be specifics there that would negate looking at the creation of man following an evolutionary approach.
Or are there?
Here are a few verses that we may just gloss over when reading, without noticing, but they have non-trivial implications for a purely literal reading of the account.
Genesis 1:
27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
Genesis 2:
7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground
9 And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight
19 And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air;
Genesis 5:
1 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;
2 Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.
So when looking at these verses they hint at something far more complex than first meets the eye, and someone reading them literally in English is going to experience a bit of a conundrum.
- In Genesis 1, mankind, male and female are created and are already blessed to multiply and replenish the earth.
- Then only in Genesis 2 is man "formed out of the ground" before and just as are the trees and animals. Only later after naming the animals do we find out that this man is referred to as Adam but there is not a help meet for him, Woman is then formed.
- Later after they are cast out of Eden do we see the wrapping up phrase repeated that was used in Genesis 1, almost word for word, but with subtle differences; and here THEY, that is the plural, both male and female are referred to as ADAM.
Clearly there is more to this account than meets the eye at first glance.
Next week we will delve a little deeper into the significance of Eden and its couple.
Previous parts of this Series.
Were the seven days of creation in Genesis seven twenty four hour periods? - Delving a little deeper
Were the seven days of creation in Genesis seven twenty four hour periods? - Into the detail
Were the seven days of creation in Genesis seven twenty four hour periods? - Some conclusions
Were the seven days of creation in Genesis seven twenty four hour periods? - Some more conclusions
Were the seven days of creation in Genesis seven twenty four hour periods? - The implications.
When I was a kid, with a child's imagination, I read the creation of Adam and Eve literally. I envisioned an actual talking snake and wondered what the fruit looked like.
Now that I have grown in my understanding of the universe (ie it is actually very old, as evidenced, for one, by measureable background cosmic radiation), I don't read the story the same way. I don't deconstruct it, saying it is valid that God created the universe, but then attack the elements of the story that seem childish (talking snakes). I have grown to believe that there are multiple levels of truth in the bible, and that it is a hyper-linked text, meaning that every verse relates to every other verse. Nothing can be taken out of context, because it is oozing context out of every pore.
Here is an amazing graphic... this is the hyperlinking of the bible.
Anyone who says these stories are obsolete now that we understand the scientific method doesn't know what they are talking about. There is a whole lot more to the picture.
As far as evidence pointing to evolution vs. instant creation: Look outside the bible, to creation itself. The bible is NOT a scientific paper; yet it reflects the same universal truths that science endeavors to understand.
there is information there well ahead of its time... modern society is not ahead but still catching up
"Anyone who says these stories are obsolete"
Truth is they are as relevant and as obsolete as any other ancient well regarded text.
That's interesting, if the name Adam refers to all humans (male and female), then that begs the question how and why Eve comes in to play.
Is Adam a metaphor and not just the literal first man? If so, what is it a metaphor for, and then what is Eve a metaphor for?
I'm not well versed (pun intended) in Bible analysis, I'm curious what your follow up post will contain
Adam comes from the Hebrew word "adam" meaning "red blood" and is also related to "adamah" which means "ground, soil, red earth." Both of these make sense, because according to Genesis, Adam was formed from the dust of the adamah (red earth, clay) and all humans have one thing in common, they bleed the same red blood. It is used in the Old Testament to speak of humankind (male and female) or the singular person, Adam, depending on context.
The writers of the New Testament spoke of Adam as the name of a singular being, the first man (for example, Romans 5:14-15. "Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.")
Adam in Hebrew can be used to refer to the whole human race, among other things. We'll dig deeper next week.
Oh, that's interesting.
Yes, just as the "God" in the creation lore, is not the One infinite Creator, but rather just our progenitors. "Let us" sentient beings just like us. No wonder the entity couldn't tell where the pets (couple) were hiding, or what they had done!
If Adam and Eve are a metaphor, it is a metaphor for the first humans to discover that they could understand the cosmos. The first people to name things and take control - dominion - over the earth. Also, the first animals who could conceptualize such a thing as the future... It's the story of the first people with the ability to negotiate with the future.
Yes. This is what makes the most sense to me. Perhaps these were representative of the first upright walking "mankind" that were intellectually advanced enough to ask the questions - "Why am I here?", and "Is there anything beyond the physical"?
I am new here but this is one of the best posts on Steemit I have seen so far. I upvoted and following you. I have to share a witty thought relating this topic for a better start of this Monday:
Why God created first man and after this a woman? Because every exceptional thing needs a blueprint first.
But there is also another side of the medal of the question - Why God created first man and after this a woman?
Because he did not want to hear an advice how to do it. :)
That's interesting, if the name Adam refers to all humans (male and female), then that begs the question how and why Eve comes in to play.
Is Adam a metaphor and not just the literal first man? If so, what is it a metaphor for, and then what is Eve a metaphor for?
I'm not well versed (pun intended) in Bible analysis, I'm curious what your follow up post will contain
Stick around, the details are worth delving into.
I just want to share that no amount of science or high level knowledge or a multitude of brilliant minds can ever explain the vast dimensions of God. There will be lot of questions more than answers yet we praise the Lord for He is drawing us closer and closer each day to Him.
I have been enjoying the Lord and His words for about 7 years now, i thank the Lord that He recovered me from my deadened situation. Truly a life with God is a marvelous journey. :)
Might i share this wonderful verse that made me love and cherish the Lord more:
neither are your ways my ways,
declares the Lord.”
Anything about the Lord truly captivates me. I'm not to debate or to prove myself to anyone or any topic or any comment, i just want to share, encourage, uplift everybody to read His word, enjoy Him, and experience Him in a deep and profound way. Keep your posts coming @gavvet, it's a refreshing series to read. This is a wonderful fellowship indeed. :)
Glad you like it, just some feeble attempts at viewing the truth through other facets.
And i'm glad to see different viewpoints on the book of Genesis. Every aspect of the Bible is like a treasure trove full of gems.
Haven't recently read Genesis properly for the first time and to my surprise I not only enjoyed it, I thought it a was simply amazing. I plan to continue reading the bible and would encourage anyone who hasn't read it, to give it a go. You will be pleasantly surprised.
You should continue reading it bro. Such a marvelous and enjoyable book. The life of God and His vast riches, readily available for us to enjoy. Just hit me back or tag me up when you do have a fresh revelation and enjoyment of the bible. :)
I will,thanks
The best to happen to you is reading the Bible; it's not just interesting but also gives insight, revelation and understanding of who are and who God is.... Continuing reading your Bible!!
I love your articles. Instead of just asking the questions, you are actually looking for the answers - and finding it. I look forward to your exploration of Eden.
cool
That's very interesting, I was talking to a friend, and he suggests that God created other humans along with Adam, as he is a reference to the beginning of humanity.
He proposed this theory based on the following: Cain when away and found other people. So where were these individuals all along.
He got me thinking, does it got you thinking too
Those are good thoughts and add to the point of the complexity of the account
Series is good to read for believers and non believers, starting to think about creation rather than believing the religion of Darwinism.
The essence of the problem in understanding God's Word is here:
There are meanings in the original that cannot be made clear in any translated account - as the translation is partially based on the translators interpretation, particularly as the Hebrew word roots contain multiple meanings.
Use of the Blue Letter Bible, or packages such as LOGOS will allow a better understanding of the original Word of God.
I happen to believe the Word is meant to be understood Literally.
-ch @globocop
I agree that Darwinism is a religion and the Bible is meant to be read literally, except where it is clearly using another device. I can't agree that we cannot have accurate translation from Hebrew but maybe that topic is for another time. In regards to "theistic evolution," I wonder if you would agree there is a fundamental theological problem of death preceding sin. For others reading, if death preceded sin, then it is no punishment for it, and effectively guts the gospel message and the need for a savior.
Cheers.
we will get into this possibly by next week
I think your question was for @gavvet ?
But since I am here: Do we fall into the trap of *'philosophying'' the Bible rather than taking God by His word?
I have not read the term 'theistic evolution" in the Bible - nor the 'theological problem' of death preceding sin... Are these not men's inventions? Are these Godly concepts? I am in no way mean to criticize the question raised - as it exists. However, let's ask ourselves where these notions come from and who benefits from specific answers.
@gavvet: Your article brought up Genesis 5. In the next few days I am submitting a little exposé on Gen 5, as there is more to it than meets the eye. The article also touches on the need of studying His word considering the original language in which it was written.
Stay blessed.
-ch @globocop
There was a theological debate i heard of few years ago that; the first man(The Male and Female) made in God's image rebelled against God and were wiped off.
Now in between that period and the Adam era was thousands of years, which seems like minutes with God....
So i think pre-Adam Story was left out of the Bible in other not to cause commotion!
yup, there is a whole set of speculation about pre-Adamites. focused on words used like "replenish".
I guess the whole truth will be revealed when we all get to Heaven.....
I think I read and been taught other variations, none of this resonates to what I have learned. Needless to say but I will, I'm learning something new from you every post..cheers!