Adam, the Fall, and Original Sin - by Hans Madueme & Michael R E Reeves (Paperback)

About the Book

Presents a theological, biblical, and scientific case for the necessity of belief in the historical Adam and original sin in response to recent contemporary challenges.

Book Synopsis

The Christian doctrines of original sin and the historical fall of Adam have been in retreat since the rise of modernity. Here leading scholars present a theological, biblical, and scientific case for the necessity of belief in original sin and the historicity of Adam and Eve in response to contemporary challenges. Representing various Christian traditions, the contributors shed light on recent debates as they present the traditional doctrine of original sin as orthodox, evangelical, and the most theologically mature and cogent synthesis of the biblical witness. This fresh look at a heated topic in evangelical circles will appeal to professors, students, and readers interested in the creation-evolution debate.

From the Back Cover

"The doctrine of original sin has been understood in somewhat different ways by different groups in the history of the church. This collection of essays clarifies these debates and exposes their pastoral relevance. More importantly, it also sketches in how thoughtful Christians wrestle with contemporary scientific claims that rule out both a historical Adam and fall. The volume does not pretend to answer all the challenges, but for candor, faithfulness, and clarity on these topics, it holds pride of place."
--D. A. Carson, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

"Madueme and Reeves have brought together a clearly reasoned set of essays in a volume that seeks to shore up traditional, orthodox accounts of original sin. They do not shrink from the complex difficulties this doctrine raises for contemporary theological and scientific accounts of human origins. And even if readers disagree with specific conclusions the authors reach, they will still learn much from this fair-minded, conservative evangelical work."
--Oliver Crisp, Fuller Theological Seminary

"This is a long-overdue book on a crucial flash point in evangelical faith and theology: the sin that dare not speak its name ('original'). The structure is clearly laid out, making it an appealing choice in various kinds of Bible college and seminary classes. Indeed, I suspect it will become a popular textbook in a number of evangelical institutions."
--Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

"Traditional accounts of Adam and original sin face both legitimate challenges and scathing attacks today. In response, we need to move beyond polemics returned in kind, returning to Scripture afresh for dogmatic renewal. For the most part, this volume contributes admirably to that effort. Naturally these essays cannot address every important question or represent every possible response. But this collection does identify key issues and contribute new insights, so I learned much from reading it."
--Daniel J. Treier, Wheaton College

About the Author

Hans Madueme (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is assistant professor of theological studies at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia, and an adjunct professor at Trinity Graduate School, Trinity International University. He also serves as a book review editor for Themelios. Michael Reeves (PhD, King's College, London) is president and professor of theology at Union Theological Seminary. He previously served as head of theology for the Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship (UCCF) and is the author of several books, including Delighting in the Trinity: An Introduction to the Christian Faith.