Adam and Eve in Scripture, Theology, and Literature
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A01=Peter B. Ely
Adam
Adam and Eve
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Augustine
Author_Peter B. Ely
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Category1=Non-Fiction
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Category=HRCG
Category=QRM
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Compassion
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Creation
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Democracy of sin
Eden
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Eve
Forgiveness
Genesis
Georges Simenon
Grace
Julian of Norwich
Language_English
Measure for Measure
New Adam
New Testament
Original sin
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Paul
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Ricoeur
Second Adam
Shakespeare
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Product details
- ISBN 9781498573917
- Weight: 526g
- Dimensions: 151 x 222mm
- Publication Date: 11 Sep 2019
- Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
- Publication City/Country: US
- Product Form: Paperback
- Language: English
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Adam and Eve in Scripture, Theology, and Literature: Sin, Compassion, and Forgiveness is an extended consideration of the narrative of Adam and Eve, first seen in the Hebrew Bible but given new life by St. Paul in the New Testament. Paul’s treatment of Adam and Eve, especially his designation of Christ as a second Adam, has had an enormous influence in Christianity. Peter Ely follows this rich narrative as it develops in history, providing the basis of the doctrine of original sin in Christianity, giving rise in modern times to theological speculation, and entering thematically into mysticism and literature. The power of the adamic narrative can only be realized if one treats it as a true but non-historical myth. The “truth” of the myth lies in its ability to stimulate thinking and so reveal the depths of human experience. Augustine understood that, so did Julian of Norwich, and even the Belgian author of mystery stories, Georges Simenon, who had a deep sense of the universality of human weakness and the possibilities of redeeming what was lost. Simenon’s detective Maigret saw himself as a “mender of destinies.” The doctrine of original sin, the notion that human beings share a common vulnerability, can open the way to compassion and forgiveness. As Shakespeare illustrates in Measure for Measure, the awareness of weakness in ourselves should move us to compassion for others. The recognition of a kind of “democracy of sin” can keep us from considering ourselves better than others, unlike them in their weakness, and entitled to stand in judgment of them. Thus, compassion opens the door to forgiveness. The progress from sin to compassion to forgiveness forms the heart of this work.
Peter B. Ely is associate professor of theology and religious studies at Seattle University.
