Theodicy and the Historical Adam: Questioning a Central Assumption Motivating Historicist Readings
By Patrick Franklin
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Dr. Patrick Franklin
In this article, I aim to show, first, that theodicy tends to be a major motivating factor grounding biblical-theological arguments in favour of historicity; and second, that a historical Adam/Fall fails to address adequately the questions theodicy raises. I do not argue here for or against the historicity of Adam; nor do I seek to offer a new theodicy.
My intended contribution is more modest: to critique the strong impact that theodicy has on the question of the historicity of Adam/the Fall and to open space for nonhistorical interpretations. I conclude by commending Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s exposition of Genesis 1–3 as theologically fruitful.
Article in Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith
Volume #: 74
Issue #: 1
Pages: 39 - 53
Publisher: American Scientific Affiliation
Year: 2022
ISBN/ISSN: 0892-2675