Adam and Eve
22. Aug, 2009 
9 Comments
Last week, I wrote an article about the Creation according to the Book of Genesis. This weekend, I will shed some light upon the misinterpreted story of Adam and Eve. I am compelled to remind my dear readers that the Bible was written by MEN under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The Bible is not to be read literally, but to be interpreted, taking into account the context in which the author lived.
The tale of Adam and Eve was written well before that of the Creation of the World in 6 days. Scholars argue that this story was conceived when the realm of Judah was at its apogee, probably under the reign of King Salomon (if he ever historically existed). At the time, the Jews knew that their God is their Saviour: He removed them from slavery in Egypt and gave them the Promised Land (now Palestine) to live on.
The Jews living at that time realized that, if God was so good to deliver them from Egypt, it must be because He loved them. And for Him to love them so much, it must be that He is their creator and that He loves them as His own children!
What’s that Adam and Eve story?
According to the chapter 2 of the Book of Genesis, God made Adam from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. Then God thought to Himself: “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” He made Adam sleep, took one of his ribs, and made Eve out of it. Adam was very pleased when he saw Eve. They were both naked and felt no shame whatsoever.
I've never read or heard about Darwin's explanation of Adam and Eve's existence. I'm confused. Have we been reading the Holy Bible/Qur'an/Geeta literally?
*squirming with impatience in wait for your next related article*
I do not agree with your saying that Genesis has been written during Babylon exile.
It is generally agreed that Moses wrote genesis and the five first book of the Bible.
And for me Adam and Eve existed as it is in Genesis. there are too much proof in the bible.
What you are doing is just some postmodernism philosophy. you cannot adapt the bible to modern day theories.
@Wez
Sorry for having confusing you. I corrected the mistake. Men have not been created from dust, they evolved from apes. This is what I meant.
Yes some people do read the Bible literally and believe in creationism.
@Joshua
I follow theology course from the Catholic church itself – from the center for catechism. I merely repeat what I have learnt from them. Sorry to disappoint you but Moses (as depicted in the Bible) may not even have historically existed! And yes, part of the Genesis has been written during the Exile.
Sorry to disappoint you but the Catholics also have added so much false information to their doctrine.
and for your information I hold a diploma of theology too
Don't strict Christians [have to] believe everything that the bible says? (sorry if that's a ridiculous question
)
Creating Adam from the dust, sounds like symbolism for something…not sure what..hoping you will tell us
..but for me I <3 Darwin. Evolution rules :p
[i've just actually thought of a possible meaning of creating Adam from the 'dust'! Humans, as explained by Bruno, evolved from apes, but the very first human-like ape originated from Africa (in the Ethiopa region i think). Could the dust be referring to the desert (dust=sand?)]:)
@Joshua
Where did you follow the theology course? How come you don't know the Pentateuch was finalized during the Exile?
@nav
Thanks for the candid question. We Christians believe that the Bible is infallible. However, this infallibility is on the nature of mankind and its relationship with God, not on scientific and historical facts. No this is by no means the meaning of the symbolism of dust, not can you extrapolate to dig scientific facts out the Bible. There are no hidden scientific clues in the Bible, absolutely none.
@Bruno
Which exile are you referring to? Exile from Egypt or the one to Babylon?
I followed it here : http://www.vision.edu/
@Zozua
Exile in Babylon my friend. From Egypt it's Exodus!
I recommend you to read the book How to Read the Old Testament by Etienne Charpentier. You will learn many updated facts on the old testament. I have been largely influenced by this book.
maybe it is like this "if i have been able to create life from dust, there is no end to what you can do."