Review article: Two Contrasting Views on the Historical Authenticity of the Adam Character in the Genesis Creation Narratives Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 14, Issue 09, Sep 2012, p. 191 - 224

Abstract

Collins CJ 2011. Did Adam and Eve really exist? Who they were and why you should care. Wheaton: Crossway. Enns P 2012. The evolution of Adam: what the Bible does and doesn't say about human origins. Grand Rapids: Brazos Press. In this review article, a comparison is made between the recent publications authored by C. J. Collins and P. Enns concerning the historical authenticity of the Adam character (and to a lesser extent Eve) in the Genesis creation narratives. The first section introduces and provides the rationale for the essay. Next, in the second and third sections, an overview of each author's respective books is undertaken. Then, the final section concludes by comparing the presuppositions made and deductions put forward by each author. The intent is not to adjudicate whether the exegetical choices and theological positions advocated by either writer have greater or lesser value. Instead, it is to provide concerned readers with a fresh perspective of how two representative biblical scholars address a topic that is pertinent to the wider discussion on science and religion.