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Did Adam and Eve Really Exist?


One of the most debated issues in our own day is whether or not Adam and Eve were historical persons. In his new book, Did Adam and Eve Really Exist? C. Jon Collins argues that Adam and Eve were historical persons and rejection of such a belief is in conflict with what the biblical authors assert. In the January issue of Credo Magazine, “In Christ Alone,” Fred Zaspel wrote a review and he begins by painting the context of the debate,

Attacks on the teachings of Scripture have come and gone since the outset of the Christian era, and by this point in history we are never surprised to see its critics come against it once again. But – even though we should know better on this score also – somehow we are sometimes surprised to see, 1) old attacks presented as something new or, 2) old attacks coming not from the unbelieving world but from those within the professing church. Such is the case with the current buzz over the question of the historicity of Adam and Eve, fostered perhaps most prominently by Biologos, Francis Collins, Pete Enns, as well as others.

Yet by this point in history we have also learned not to fret. Inevitably such controversies result not in a weakened faith but in a strengthened faith brought about again by an increased and closer understanding of Scripture. We may be sure that God causes even the wrath of men to praise him.

Such is the significance of C. John Collins’ Did Adam and Eve Really Exist? Who They Were and Why You Should Care. Collins (professor of Old Testament at Covenant Seminary and evidently no relation to the Francis Collins, whose work he criticizes) approaches the question with obvious concern for truth and a fair and balanced evaluation of the attending arguments, and he shows himself to be well acquainted with all sides of the discussion, both biblical and scientific. And in the end he proves himself a reliable guide and has provided a helpful and very accessible introduction to the debate.

Read the rest of Zaspel’s review here.

Also read the January issue of Credo Magazine, “In Christ Alone.”

The January issue argues for the exclusivity of the gospel, especially in light of the movement known as inclusivism. This issue will seek to answer questions like: Can those who have never heard the gospel of Christ be saved? Will everyone be saved in the end or will some spend an eternity in hell? Must someone have explicit faith in Christ to be saved? Contributors include David Wells, Robert Peterson, Michael Horton, Gerald Bray, Todd Miles, Todd Borger, Ardel Caneday, Nathan Finn, Trevin Wax, Michael Reeves, and many others.

To view the magazine as a PDF Click Here

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