What is the point of the Adam and Eve story if it is not merely giving us the historical facts? First of all, let's look at the story.
We read that God formed (like a potter) man (adam) from the dust (afar) of the ground (adamah). There is a play on the Hebrew words here (adam//adamah). The joy of Hebrew is the constant use of such puns and allusions. Most of it does not get picked up in English translation. There are, however, some theological points to reflect upon.
The intimacy of creation is portrayed with the image of forming. To take and touch and manipulate is an involved process. One might call it a labor or work. If this is a metaphor (and it is) what is it inviting us to believe? I think the potter image lies behind the text, an image which Isaiah will pursue in his own prophecies. I think the language of shaping and forming is helpful for expressing our connectedness to God.
The idea of humans being composed of dust is also fascinating. One criticism of evolution is that it reduces humans to high functioning apes. Let me be clear, I believe that philosophical evolution is in error. I do not have time to lay that out here. I believe God CREATED heaven and earth. I do not believe it is accidental. That said, I also believe the act of creation is reflected in the creation. In that sense, the process probably 'looks' like what is called evolution. If God used the earth to form man, is it possible to understand that formation as taking place over a long period of time? Can the image be a metaphor for something that looks like the theories of science? Once again, I am asking questions of the text. I think we need to ask if a faithful reading can include this.
The word for dust is also interesting. Dust has multiple meanings and includes rubbish. We have some sense of this based on the word "dust pan" which is used to collect what we sweep up from the floor. The word dust appears several times in Genesis. It is used here to indicate from what the man is created and to what man will return at death (3:19). Then it is part of the curse on the serpent (you shall eat dust on your belly). Later God tells Abraham (13:16) and Jacob (28:14) that their descendents will be like the dust (lots and lots!). I think, however, the most important use is Genesis 18:27.
In Genesis 18 Abraham is arguing with God about Sodom. He is trying to prevent God's judgment on the wayward city. It is a remarkable case of driving a deal, as Abraham makes one slice after another, on the number of righteous needed to save the city. However, as Abraham begins the negotiation, he says, "I who am ashes and dust am speaking to the Lord." This is a dep theological statement, and I think it reflects the creations accoun.
The creation account is a reminder of our tenuous existence. It is a reminder that no one is great, no one is powerful, everyone is temporary. It is an invitation to recognize our dependence upon God for existence and serves as a harsh condemnation of those who see no need of God. The story is clear, even if it is not considered a detailed historical account. I think we are called to humility; to understand we are of earth and will return to earth, to understand that we must turn to the Creator for life. I fear the power of the revelation is lost when it is instead used to debate the actual process by which humans were created.
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