An Evolutionary Adaptation of the Fall. (8th April 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lembke, Martin
• Is Part Of: New Blackfriars. Volume 95:Number 1057(2014:May)
• Page Start: 295
• Page End: 307
• Publication Date: 2013-04-08
• Subjects: Periodicals; Periodicals; 271.2
• DOI: 10.1111/nbfr.12026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0028-4289

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>According to John Polkinghorne, the Fall is the major Christian doctrine that is the most difficult to reconcile with contemporary science. Like him, however, I believe it is vitally important, even in this regard, to try to pinpoint the extent to which taking science seriously requires us to modify traditionally held beliefs. In this paper I focus on two problematic ideas associated with the Fall: (i) the idea of a primordial human couple (Adam and Eve), and (ii) the idea that this couple was subjected to bodily death as a result of their original misdeed. I argue that, contrary to appearances, it is possible to harmonize these beliefs with contemporary science – at least if one presupposes some kind of soul‐body dualism. I also try to show that this dualism, although philosophically non‐fashionable nowadays, is yet to be refuted or made redundant by current evolutionary theory or neurophysiology.</p> </abstract>