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.
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"?
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.
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
Interesting, I don't really know what to say...
... It put my mind into work.
this one is bending mine too, and has for years...
And probably will, for years to come...
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!
this is really interesting @gavvet. this is really interesting. i will take my time to comprehend this and maybe comment....
but first i need to point out that when God said let us make man (Gen1:26-27), He was making man to function as Him. God is Trinity, which automatically makes it such that He was making man that same way. Verse 27 states that male and female made He them. the man God created in question is a spirit being; but when God formed man, He formed him (1) out of the dust and breathe the Holy Spirit (2) into him to make him a living being and then extracted (3) the woman from the man (Adam). Adam means Man
@pilcrow, Adam is the first man God created after His kind. If you have time i will want you to read Isaiah 14:13-14particularly BUT read the entire scripture for better understanding. Adam and Eve as humans is about the union (marriage) and the purpose of God for creating marriage is so that the Man (Spirit) He has made in His kind can take back the kingdom of this world (owned by the devil- you need to read this entire passage and the temptation of Jesus) to be the kingdom of Our God.
Man became what the devil thought in his mind and that is why the devil hates us. and secondly the reason why marriages are under attack so much with people marrying same sex is because they havent realized that the devil is only fighting the unity of the Spirit so that man cannot take back the kingdoms of this world and make it the kingdom of our God.
i hope this help. God bless you
thanks for engaging, we will get more into this in further posts
Very interesting it really gets you thinking,have never really been into religion until i had a heartattack 2 years ago.But now i understand and enjoy it a lot more
Good evening, there is a last discovery in Peru, my country, which mentions a before Adam and Eve, not selected in the council of Nicea centuries ago, but is a recent discovery there, and I will be sharing in my Profile, thank you and good Nights.
I've studying the first few chapters of Genesis deeply from Jewish sources, including Rashi, Ramban, and others. One book or teacher, I unfortunately, I don't have the source, said that the Torah (Bible) is literal except for the very beginning and the very end, which is Kabbalah.
One reason I switched from Christianianity to Judaism is that I feel I was robbed from many of these great teachers and sources that are rarely mentioned from the church pulpits and courses. So I strongly believe you won't begin to understand Genesis and the creation unless you delve into these Jewish sources. Perhaps I'll post some of what I've been studying soon.
Please do... and link
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@gavvet Thanks for this interesting article of the creation which will be questioned even more vividly by the atheists or non believers. However no matter which side you are, we all will agree that the story is an interesting one. Looking forward to the next episode.
The theory of evolution is an imposed social communist lie.No human being, no scientist, has all the evidence. That is why scientific theories change continuously. As scientists continue to learn new things, they change their conclusions.
Conclusions change continuously, but they change towards refinement and not in any random direction. The earth going around the sun in an circle is still wrong, but more right than the sun going around the earth. (It goes around in an ellipse.) First, we recognized light and magnetism as separate forces, but then we refined that view as a unified electro-magnetic force. Science is a method of refining knowledge. Sure, it changes, but in bettering increments.
Evolution is a fact, and I urge you to look up and better understand it.
I learnt about "Theory Of Evolution", but there is nothing like "Fact Of Evolution"....
The word 'theory' when used in the scientific sense means:
So, you'd have to apply your same doubt to the following:
All evidence - fossil records, genetics, geologic, biology, biomechanics, geographic isolation - confirms evolution. I'd encourage you to check it out. Life, and how it changes over time, is amazing.
Amen, I used to hold a skeptical view of evolutionary theory until I went out into the field and confirmed it by my own observation... then after studying more much of it became fact to me.
Also all of the relevant sciences continue to confirm each others findings.
There is a thing called the law of witnesses; and evolution continues to comply, with the case growing stronger every decade.
There is a caution though and that is not to adopt evolution as a religion as some have done, because that just reverses the problem.
Exactly... conclusions change, but in a refining basis
Do agree with this.
The theory of evolution is a confusing one.
Nice piece @gavvet
UPVOTED!
Its worth studying.
Sure it is.
Like the pic and very interested in the sequel @gavvet. FYI, something you may find related http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/fosrec/ONeill.html. Thank you again.
@gavvet informative post keep sharing such a good post :)
Our ancestors adam is the 10,000th of adam
nice creation - Post for humans
thats really intresting concept
whenever I hear word god it reminds me of Chuck,
anyone guess who I am talking about
the Norris?
no from supernatural
according to bible you missed out the fact that woman were made out of Adam's rib. that's why every man needs the right woman which has been made from him. we have still 12 rib left but what if we had more then 13? (one for eve and left 12) and we have more "right, proper" women in list while woman can have only 1 man? :D joking but can be a case is not it?
very good, i am interested in your post...@gavvet
chek my profile @asyraf
i have followed and upvote you
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This theory is quite complex since evolution is a long process that took place billion years ago. As long as human being will try to understand this process , they will discover how little they know and yet how much still needs to be discovered.
Interesting post many things to think
Interesting post ! Nice post @gavvet very informative
There are 118 elements in the periodoc table which fprms the earth..excatly half of them 59 we humans are made up of..the other half of us i beleive is our spirit and soul
but we can detect and measure the others...
I think Adam was a snail all this time. And he is watching us.
And also he invented the illuminati.
God has given all powers to humans but humans misused them. We are souls came from soul world to play drama but we are more involved in drama and forget about our original nature. We have to clear our karma's to reach our soul world.
hey buddy nice post as always :) upvoted and followed for a long time now @gavvet ! think to check my blog @africa consider to follow upvote or resteem if you agree with the content !
And why not just write it off as multiple metaphors formed over time from a nomadic, pre-science, oral-tradition culture?
because if you realized that, then you wouldn't just write it off.
Bu there are hundreds if not thousands of nomadic, pre-science, oral-tradition creation stories in the world. Most of these are shaped by their individual surroundings and cultures.
I write them all off as early humanity attempting to explain its place in the world.
Why do you pick and choose which ones you decide to buy into? Is it simply the ones you were exposed to early in life? Late in life? Had you been exposed to different ones, would you even notice?
you should start by giving me a good reason why any of those creation stories should be tossed aside simply because they were nomadic, pre-science oral traditions.
You might not agree with this, but I don't think human nature has changed much (like NOT AT ALL) since these guys were around. I have been exposed to various different origin stories, and I find value in all of them.
Just because people think they've discovered the HOWs of creation, doesn't mean they should ignore the WHYs.
I wouldn't necessarily toss them aside. They have value, and equal value. They are like bubble gum. You chew out the value and discard it. You don't make a religion out of any one of them.
I would agree human nature has not changed that much. However, human knowledge has changed a great deal. We know that angry deities don't create thunder or cause a flood.
As for the 'whys' of creation, that is completely up to you to determine. So, carry on the way you'd like. :D
Good post! I will follow u.
Try to read about adam in kitab al-quran book Islamic ummah there is very clear about adam and his wife. @gavvet Follow me back
Greetings community steemit indonesia
Nice photo
True, god also created all of nature and its contents, as it is in a painting of you, various animals, and I really like your painting.
interestingly narrated i loved this post.
Good. Nice post
Very nice amazing
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@abupasi.alachy
It seems like there are some parallels from the different verses of Genesis.
The part where they are addressed as 'they' intrigues me.
It makes me wonder if there is a greater meaning to 'ADAM' rather than just something being associated with a male name.
Well I can't wait to see the post about Eden @gavvet
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Whoever does not have faith will never understand the Bible.
I've been thinking of the whole adam thing, interesting approach
Very interesting! I learned a lot reading this post
Thanks for sharing!