“A disarming, intelligent, and timely book” that re-examines religious history and scripture with a focus on the feminine experience (The New York Times). In the world that created the Bible, there were no female scholars and theologians, yet in recent decades, owing to such stunning discoveries as the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Nag Hammadi texts, as well as advances in historical understanding and the rise of feminism, a generation of scholars has found new ways to interpret the Scriptures and the societies that created them—exploring avenues traditionally ignored by male-dominated religious study. Surveying the new scholarship and the personalities of those who have created it, The Word According to Eve not only explores afresh the history of our religions but offers exciting new challenges to our sense of worship. “Provocative and lucid . . . an engaging book.” —The Boston Globe
Do women and men have different intellectual, spiritual, moral, or emotional capacities? Over the centuries, women have read and interpreted the story of Eve, scrutinizing the details of the text to discern God's word for them. Biblical scholar Amanda Benckhuysen traces the history of women's interpretation of Genesis 1-3, allowing the voices of women to speak of Eve's story and its implications for life today.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
What did the writer of Genesis mean by “the first day”? Is it a literal week or a series of time periods? If I believe that the earth is 4.5 billion years old, am I denying the authority of Scripture? In response to the continuing controversy over the interpretation of the creation narrative in Genesis, John Lennox proposes a succinct method of reading and interpreting the first chapters of Genesis without discounting either science or Scripture. With examples from history, a brief but thorough exploration of the major interpretations, and a look into the particular significance of the creation of human beings, Lennox suggests that Christians can heed modern scientific knowledge while staying faithful to the biblical narrative. He moves beyond a simple response to the controversy, insisting that Genesis teaches us far more about the God of Jesus Christ and about God’s intention for creation than it does about the age of the earth. With this book, Lennox offers a careful yet accessible introduction to a scientifically-savvy, theologically-astute, and Scripturally faithful interpretation of Genesis.
What if reading Genesis 2–3 in its ancient Near Eastern context shows that the creation account makes no claims regarding Adam and Eve's material origins? John Walton's groundbreaking insights into this text create space for a faithful reading of Scripture along with full engagement with science, creating a new way forward in the human origins debate.
The First Book of Adam and Eve, written by Rutherford Platt, is a deeply impactful and thought-provoking work that offers a unique perspective on the beginning of humanity. This book delves into the story of Adam and Eve, the first humans created by God in the Garden of Eden, as told in the Book of Genesis. However, unlike traditional interpretations, Platt’s retelling of this biblical tale explores the inner thoughts and emotions of these iconic figures, giving readers a deeper understanding of their actions and the consequences of their choices. Platt’s writing style is captivating and engaging, drawing readers into the world of Adam and Eve and allowing them to experience their journey firsthand. Through vivid descriptions and richly detailed imagery, we are transported to the idyllic setting of the Garden of Eden and can almost feel the warm sun on our skin and smell the sweet scents of the fruit trees. But as the story progresses and Adam and Eve face challenges and temptations, the tone shifts to one of tension and uncertainty, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. One of the most striking aspects of this book is the way in which it humanizes Adam and Eve. Rather than being seen as perfect and faultless beings, they are portrayed as complex individuals with flaws and doubts, making their story relatable and relevant to modern-day readers. Platt’s portrayal of Eve, in particular, challenges traditional views of her as the temptress who caused the downfall of humanity. Instead, she is depicted as a strong and independent woman who is curious and eager to learn, but also vulnerable and struggling to find her place in the world. In addition to its literary merits, The First Book of Adam and Eve also offers a wealth of educational value. Not only does it provide a fascinating retelling of a well-known biblical story, but it also raises important questions and prompts critical thinking about the nature of God, humanity, and the relationship between the two. By going beyond the surface level of the biblical account, Platt encourages readers to delve deeper and examine the moral and philosophical implications of this ancient tale. Overall, The First Book of Adam and Eve is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the biblical story of creation in a fresh and thought-provoking way. Platt’s masterful storytelling and insightful commentary make this book an invaluable resource for educators and students alike, offering a unique perspective on a foundational story of the Judeo-Christian tradition. It is a timeless work that will continue to inspire and challenge readers for generations to come.
The two books contained in this volume are considered by many scholars to be part of the "Pseudepigrapha" and form part of “The Forgotten Books of Eden” edited by Rutherford H. Platt, Jr. These books are a written account of what happened to Adam and Eve in the days of after they were cast out of the Garden of Eden. The First Book of Adam and Eve details the life and times of Adam and Eve in the period immediately following their expulsion from the Garden of Eden to the time that Cain slays his brother Abel. It tells of Adam and Eve's first dwelling in the Cave of Treasures; their trials and temptations; and of Satan's many apparitions to them. It also tells of the birth of Cain, Abel, and their twin sisters; and of Cain's love for his beautiful twin sister, Luluwa, whom Adam and Eve wished to be joined to Abel The Second Book of Adam and Eve gives an account of the life and times of Cain and his twin Sister Luluwa after they went away until the time that Enoch was taken by God. The "Pseudepigrapha" is a collection of historical biblical works that are considered to be fiction. Because of this, this book was not included in the compilation of the Christian Bible. Although considered to be Pseudepigrapha by some, it carries significant meaning and insight into events of that time. In order to put these two books into perspective, one has to ask how, and why, these writings have survived through the centuries and if they are as unsubstantial as many righteous scholars claim them to be?
Concise, pithy chapters with dozens of charts, highlighted summaries and study questions make Graeme Goldsworthy's introductory text enormously useful for understanding how the Bible fits together as the unfolding story of God's plan for salvation.
