Theistic Evolution

[rtwo]

Hello. I want to start this thread by saying I'm not looking for a debate or an argument, but to learn and increase my understanding. If this thread finds a way to degenerate into off-topic discussion and argument, I will personally ask the mods to shut it down so I can start a new one.

In this thread, in order to do things in such a way that all readers can understand what's being talked about from start to finish (including myself!!!), I'm going to format this as a Q and A -- not to debate points, but to build further questions (and understanding) off the answers provided.

I'm looking to learn more about the ideas prevelant in theistic evolution, and how those ideas mesh with the rest of Scripture. I believe God can do what He wants, and certainly could have created this world in any order, and in any way, that He would have seen fit. As such, from a purely theological standpoint, I have no problem with the idea of theistic evolution.

But, from a scriptural perspective, I have a hard time making it mesh. And this will be the nature of my questions. To start at the beginning, then: Though I view Genesis 1, by virtue of the writing style and metre, as being a poem of sorts, Gen 2-50 is written in the same basic language, using similar style. Because of this, and because I view Genesis as a history book, I would generally consider Genesis 2 to be a historical representation of the Creation - based upon the context of the rest of the book, and the fact that it is structured the same as the rest of the book, which also reads as history.

That is background on where I'm coming from in asking my questions. But, now that I've rambled on for some time without having really gotten to the point, I ask your indulgence with my first question:

Who were Adam and Eve?

If the Creation story is either a metaphore, or else simply skips over evolution, who is the Bible referring to as "Adam and Eve"? Are these simply a metaphore for all of humanity, or is it actually two people who evolved?

[Guest]

For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

Exodus 20:11

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[quote name='rtwo' date='Jun 4 2007, 09:58 PM' post='876254'

Who were Adam and Eve?

[rtwo]

[quote name='rtwo' date='Jun 4 2007, 09:58 PM' post='876254'

Who were Adam and Eve?

I've heard that they are literary devices created by the authors of Genesis to portray a story that was never meant to be taken literally. I personally don't like this view. I believe in an Old Earth, but I also believe in Special Creation by God. From what little studying I've done in this subject, I cannot see any way around an old Earth.

[Guest]

Thus Boys And Girls We See The Beginnings Of All Romantic Comedies!

Okay, so ... who were Adam and Eve?

Look One

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

Genesis 1:26-27

Look Two

And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

Genesis 2:18

And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;

And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Genesis 2:21-24

Look Three

For Adam was first formed, then Eve.

1 Timothy 2:13

Look Four

Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

Romans 5:14

Look Five

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

1 Corinthians 15:22

Look Six

And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

1 Corinthians 15:45

Look Seven

And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.

Genesis 3:20

Answer - Mom and Dad!

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:

The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.

Numbers 6:24-27

Love, Joe