The Generations of Heaven and Earth: Adam, the Ancient World, and Biblical Theology

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About The Generations Of Heaven And Earth: Adam, The

Product Description New science has surprised many by showing, contrary to received wisdom, that a real Adam and Eve could have lived amongst other humans in historical times and yet be the ancestors of every living person, as traditional Christianity has always taught. This theory was first published in book form in 2019, but Jon Garvey, familiar with it from its early days, believes it helps confirm the Christian account of reality by giving it a solid foundation in science and history. In this book he argues that the long existence of other people before and alongside Adam was in all likelihood known to the Bible's original authors. This conclusion helps build a compelling biblical "big story" of a new kind of created order initially frustrated by Adam's failure, but finally accomplished in Christ. This "new creation" theme complements that of the "old creation" covered in his first book, God's Good Earth . The two together contribute to a unified, and fully orthodox, understanding of the overall message of the Bible. Review ""Summarizing a decade of contemplation, Garvey makes a provocative, must-read contribution to a new conversation about Adam and Eve. After 150 years of mistaken conflict, we now know that traditional readings of Genesis can be entirely compatible with evolutionary science, as long as there are people outside the garden. Garvey presses one step further, arguing that allowing for people outside the garden is helpful to theology, recovering the original understanding of Genesis. Evolutionary science, in this way, encourages a coherent and grounded synthesis of traditional theology and mainstream science."" --S. Joshua Swamidass, Founder, Peaceful Science, Associate Professor of Laboratory and Genomic Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis ""The genealogical Adam model is an exciting development in the discussion about human origins. Garvey uses the model as the starting point for further explorations, and he proceeds with both creativity and classic Christian commitments. The result is not so much a radical revision of traditional Christian doctrine as it is a revisiting of certain biblical themes that have been underexplored. The Generations of Heaven and Earth makes a significant contribution and it is a must-read for those interested in the science-faith conversation."" --Ken Keathley, Senior Professor of Theology, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary ""Derek Kidner's 1967 suggestion of a pre-Adamic human race, from among whom our historical Adamic lineage began, always seemed credible to me, and no threat to core biblical doctrines. Garvey's fascinating collation of evidence from the sciences of geology, archaeology, paleontology, and genealogy, alongside his deep and respectful exploration of the inspired text of Scripture, not only renders this view 'no threat, ' but also offers illuminating perspectives on a fully integrated biblical theology."" --Christopher J. H. Wright, International Ministries Director, Langham Partnership, author of The Mission of God About the Author Born in Guildford, England, Jon Garvey studied Medicine at Pembroke College, Cambridge University. Since 2011 his blog, The Hump of the Camel, has explored the theology of creation, attracting an extensive readership across the world, and in January 2019 Cascade published his first book, God's Good Earth. He lives in southwest England, is married with three adult children and five granddaughters, is a Baptist elder, and plays guitar and saxophone semi-professionally.