Contrary to popular opinion, the story of Adam and Eve is not confined to the book of Genesis. It has roots in prebiblical myth and continued to evolve long after the Bible was completed. Bernard F. Batto traces the development of the Adam and Eve story from its origins in Mesopotamian myth to its reformulation in Genesis and beyond—including its expansion in Jewish epigraphs such as 1 Enoch and the Life of Adam and Eve, and its place in Christian innovations such as the apostle Paul’s thesis that Christ is a second Adam, and in the thinking of church fathers such as Irenaeus, who held that Christ recapitulates all humankind in himself, and Augustine, whose doctrine of original sin interprets the Adam and Eve story. Batto also examines gnostic teachings about a heavenly Adam and an earthly Adam, and surveys rabbinical attempts from the Talmudic period to find hidden meanings in the Genesis story. Islam’s emphasis on Satan’s role in seducing Adam and Eve is also discussed, and the book concludes with Milton’s unforgettable retelling of the Adam and Eve story in Paradise Lost. Batto’s goal is not only to reveal the many faces given Adam and Eve throughout history, but also to understand the divergent cultural and theological factors powering this long, evolving tradition.

Contrary to popular opinion, the story of Adam and Eve is not confined to the book of Genesis. It has roots in prebiblical myth and continued to evolve long after the Bible was completed. Bernard F. Batto traces the development of the Adam and Eve story from its origins in Mesopotamian myth to its reformulation in Genesis and beyond--including its expansion in Jewish epigraphs such as 1 Enoch and the Life of Adam and Eve, and its place in Christian innovations such as the apostle Paul's thesis that Christ is a second Adam, and in the thinking of church fathers such as Irenaeus, who held that Christ recapitulates all humankind in himself, and Augustine, whose doctrine of original sin interprets the Adam and Eve story. Batto also examines gnostic teachings about a heavenly Adam and an earthly Adam, and surveys rabbinical attempts from the Talmudic period to find hidden meanings in the Genesis story. Islam's emphasis on Satan's role in seducing Adam and Eve is also discussed, and the book concludes with Milton's unforgettable retelling of the Adam and Eve story in Paradise Lost. Batto's goal is not only to reveal the many faces given Adam and Eve throughout history, but also to understand the divergent cultural and theological factors powering this long, evolving tradition.

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The standard account of early Christianity tells us that the first centuries after Jesus' death witnessed an efflorescence of Christian sects, each with its own gospel. We are taught that these alternative scriptures, which represented intoxicating, daring, and often bizarre ideas, were suppressed in the fourth and fifth centuries, when the Church canonized the gospels we know today: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The rest were lost, destroyed, or hidden. In The Many Faces of Christ, the renowned religious historian Philip Jenkins thoroughly refutes our most basic assumptions about the Lost Gospels. He reveals that dozens of alternative gospels not only survived the canonization process but in many cases remained influential texts within the official Church. Whole new gospels continued to be written and accepted. For a thousand years, these strange stories about the life and death of Jesus were freely admitted onto church premises, approved for liturgical reading, read by ordinary laypeople for instruction and pleasure, and cited as authoritative by scholars and theologians. The Lost Gospels spread far and wide, crossing geographic and religious borders. The ancient Gospel of Nicodemus penetrated into Southern and Central Asia, while both Muslims and Jews wrote and propagated gospels of their own. In Europe, meanwhile, it was not until the Reformation and Counter-Reformation that the Lost Gospels were effectively driven from churches. But still, many survived, and some continue to shape Christian practice and belief in our own day. Offering a revelatory new perspective on the formation of the biblical canon, the nature of the early Church, and the evolution of Christianity, The Many Faces of Christ restores these Lost Gospels to their central place in Christian history.

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.

Carrol Shewmake couldn't understand the Bible, with all its confusing symbols, wars, and diversity. Where was the missing clue? Then one day she stumbled upon the golden thread, running from Genesis to Revelation, that revealed the heart of the Author and His longing for intimacy with His children. Since then she has never been the same. The Bible is a new book. And God is her closest friend. Now you can share her discovery and behold the Invisible with new eyes. See how the many snapshots of God in Scripture form a majestic panorama of grace. Understand your status as the child of the Father, the wife of the Husband, the clay of the Potter, the sheep of the Shepherd, and the branch of the Vine. Feel His longing for intimacy reaching out to you in every passage. Book jacket.

In this examination of the questions posed by the problem of evil, John Feinberg addresses the intellectual and theological framework of theodicy. Beginning with a discussion of the logical problem of evil, he interacts with leading thinkers who have previously written on these themes.

The Many Faces of Biblical Humor examines how the Bible writers intentionally used humor, irony, and sarcasm to argue their points concisely. This work begins with the dysfunctional families of Genesis, continues delightfully through every book of the Bible, and ends with a glorious fulfillment in Revelation. Along the way, the reader is presented humorous stories, pathetically funny characters, and poignant quips and quotes from prophets, poets, and principals. The author paraphrases each biblical text in an engaging prose that highlights the humor of that passage--humor that may not have been previously noted by the reader. Between the paraphrases, the author sets the historical and linguistic setting, allowing the reader to see how the humor (and puns) of the text enrich the biblical understanding of God's message. Also included are applications of these marvelous passages to our daily lives as we see our own foibles portrayed in the biblical characters. In many ways, this is a Bible commentary with an accent on the humorous. In another sense, it is simply a delightful book that makes the Bible come alive through the latent humor of its characters and their stories. This revised edition contains corrections of typographical errors in the first edition as well as some clarifying material to make the humor more enjoyable. For more information, visit the author's website.

What if the biblical creation account is true, with the origins of Adam and Eve taking place alongside evolution? Building on well-established but overlooked science, S. Joshua Swamidass explains how it's possible for Adam and Eve to be rightly identified as the ancestors of everyone, opening up new possibilities for understanding Adam and Eve consistent both with current scientific consensus and with traditional readings of Scripture.

Selected as a book of the year 2017 by The Times and Sunday Times What is it about Adam and Eve’s story that fascinates us? What does it tell us about how our species lives, dies, works or has sex? The mythic tale of Adam and Eve has shaped conceptions of human origins and destiny for centuries. Stemming from a few verses in an ancient book, it became not just the foundation of three major world faiths, but has evolved through art, philosophy and science to serve as the mirror in which we seem to glimpse the whole, long history of our fears and desires. In a quest that begins at the dawn of time, Stephen Greenblatt takes us from ancient Babylonia to the forests of east Africa. We meet evolutionary biologists and fossilised ancestors; we grapple with morality and marriage in Milton’s Paradise Lost; and we decide if the Fall is the unvarnished truth or fictional allegory.