Review: The Lost World of Adam and Eve: Genesis 2–3 and the Human Origins Debate

The Lost World of Adam and Eve: Genesis 2–3 and the Human Origins Debate by John H. Walton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

From what I can gather, Walton's primary substantive is this - many of the traditional positions on Human Origin that Christians hold may not actually be necessary - because it may hermenutically acceptable to hold some differing positions. As he adeptly illustrates how many of these debatable propositions could swing either way, going into great depth expounding on the issues and arguments of each, I began to understand better why he took on this writing project (two books discussing the Lost worlds of Genesis 1 and 2-3). I can almost hear the gasp of most theologically conservatives like myself grappling with the thought of deviating from two millennia of church history; but please do read the Conclusion and Summary to hear Walton's heart on this issue, whether or not you manage to wade through the other chapters.

If Walton had engaged in eisegesis and made sweeping assertions, then it should just be thrown into the bin; as far as I could tell, Walton embarked on extensive research, and explored the issues as theologically faithfully as any respectable bible scholar would and yet sought to make these complex thoughts as easily comprehensible as he could.

Therefore whether or not you agree with him, do consider (whether for the topic of human origins or other secondary doctrines):

"what if we could tell [people leaving the church] that their scientific conclusions did not make a difference and that they could still believe the Bible, could still be in relationship with Christ, could still be members in good standing the church? ... There is no need to lose our young people to this debate... But there is room for a variety of belief as long as they derive from sound exegesis, sound theology and sound hermeneutics." (p209-210)

With 30 pages of endnotes for 200 pages of content, this title is going to be a mind-bender of a book! I found that it was an extremely challenging book to read; Walton appears to be pitching it at a level of theologians, senior staff in churches' teaching departments or at very learned apologetics-loving Christians. As a student in my final year of my seminary undergrad study, I thought that there shouldnt be too many books with content that I found too difficult to comprehend, but alas, this is one of them! Perhaps my lack of interest (and therefore reading) in the fields of apologetics and human origins contributed to my struggle. It nevertheless an invaluable resource should one want to share the Gospel with both the college student or the scientist. When you find that topic presented to you, then you can pick it up (either this book or the companion copy about Genesis 1) to get a quick grasp on the theological conundrum for more meaningful dialogue with your friend.

I received this book from IVP Academic for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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