SPIRITUALITY & RELIGION

The Lost World of Adam and Eve: Genesis 2–3 and the Human Origins Debate

by John H. Walton
IVP. 2015. 256p. notes. index. ISBN 9780830824618. pap. $17; ebk. ISBN 9780830897711. REL
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Walton (Old Testament, Wheaton Coll.) argued in his previous book, The Lost World of Genesis One, that the first chapter of Hebrew scripture was not to be read literally or scientifically, but as a description of a "cosmic temple inauguration." Similarly, this book is an intelligent discussion of new ways to view the story of Adam and Eve—that notions of formation from dust or ribs were "archetypal claims and not claims of material origins"; that while Walton believes that a real Adam and Eve existed, it is not necessary to view all human beings as literally descended from them; and so on. What Wilson does with faith and learning is to save a certain sort of Christian reader, once again, from over-literalism not respectful of either Hebrew scripture or contemporary science.
VERDICT Walton's intriguing volume should appeal to pastors and academics, as well as seminary students.
Reviewed by Graham Christian , May 15, 2015
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