Evolution and sin.

I am very interested in how those who do not accept the traditional literal view of Genesis, treat the role (if any) of God in the process of evolution, the appearance of man on the earth and especially the concept of the entrance of sin.

Can anyone recommend any books that are written in a fairly accessible manner relating to this topic or specific aspects of it.

Please try to avoid starting a discussion on the subject itself!

Find more posts tagged with

Comments

Ben

I suggest some works dealing with the meaning of "literal interpretation," the genre of Genesis, and its relationship to its cultural and literary context, i.e. the ancient Near East.

https://www.logos.com/product/147274/peter-enns-collection

https://www.logos.com/product/52907/the-lost-world-of-genesis-one-ancient-cosmology-and-the-origins-debate

The academic version of the above volume, https://www.logos.com/product/46731/genesis-1-as-ancient-cosmology

https://www.logos.com/product/177124/genesis-history-fiction-or-neither-three-views-on-the-bibles-earliest-chapters

(More academic) https://www.logos.com/product/39621/ancient-texts-for-the-study-of-the-hebrew-bible-a-guide-to-the-background-literature

Anthony Sims

I concur with Ben's suggestions, especially Pete Enns' books, and will add this one, too. https://www.logos.com/product/138244/evolution-and-the-fall

I'm not sure what your tradition is, but this one is a helpful discussion for evangelicals. https://www.logos.com/product/144568/how-i-changed-my-mind-about-evolution-evangelicals-reflect-on-faith-and-science

DMB

Please try to avoid starting a discussion on the subject itself!

John, strictly speaking to your question-setup, creation in Gen 1 doesn't presume sin. Subsequent chapters AFTER creation, speak to it. It's not an either/or proposition.

Ronald Quick

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1102691#Comment_1102691

Here is a resource:

https://www.logos.com/product/177223/the-genealogical-adam-and-eve-the-surprising-science-of-universal-ancestry

Mattillo

Maybe of use

https://www.logos.com/product/177124/genesis-history-fiction-or-neither-three-views-on-the-bibles-earliest-chapters

Ken McGuire

May I suggest a close examination of some Patristic writers? First of all, Augustine:

A collection in Fathers of the Church gives two contrasting treatments. The first is allegorical, but in the second he tries to be literal - and is ultimately unsatisfied.

He later wrote a more extended work, available in two volumes as translated in Ancient Christian Writers - which are gathered together with other good stuff in a Library Expansion.

And, of course, he spent a significant portion of Confessions interpreting Genesis, as well as books 11-12 of The City of God. Of particular interest to your question would be his Anti-Pelagian writings, where he asserts how this fits with his understanding of Original Sin.

For background, you may want to look at Basil, who influenced many who came after him, especially, Ambrose.

And of course, the Verbum freebie this month.

Admittedly, none of these figures speaks of modern understandings of Evolution - but as teachers of the Creed where "Crucified under Pontius Pilate" explicitly demonstrates that even pagan human historical activity can be used for God's eternal plan, I think their varied understandings of Genesis can free us to admit the good whereever we find it.

JohnB

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1102711#Comment_1102711

Wow, thanks guys Some great thoughts and suggestions. I like reading different traditions - chew the meat and spit out the bones (do that with my own tradition as well). Thanks for the correction Denise ;-)
Any more suggestions welcomed.

Paul Caneparo

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1102731#Comment_1102731

This book went on sale yesterday with a big discount.

https://www.logos.com/product/148114/theistic-evolution-a-scientific-philosophical-and-theological-critique

JohnB

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1102734#Comment_1102734

Thanks Paul for the info. Bagged it!

Paul Caneparo

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1102798#Comment_1102798

This book is more about evidence for a creator, but it's a very good read and on sale for only $1.99:

https://ebooks.faithlife.com/product/151654/the-case-for-a-creator-a-journalist-investigates-scientific-evidence-that-points-toward-god

Unfortunately geographically restricted as it's a Zondervan title within the Ebooks store.

Anthony Sims

There's also this book which is due to come out of pre-pub on 6/30. https://www.logos.com/product/187279/original-sin-and-the-fall-five-views

Paul Caneparo

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1103057#Comment_1103057

This has got to be worth $1.99

https://www.logos.com/product/49131/adam-the-fall-and-original-sin-theological-biblical-and-scientific-perspectives

JohnB

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1103092#Comment_1103092

It cost that to get into town by bus 3 miles away in the long ago days before "the virus"!