Overview

Addressing the intense debate in science and religion in light of evolutionary population genetics, Andrew Ter Ern Loke argues that the theory of evolution as understood by mainstream scientists is compatible with Scripture. Loke asserts that resolving this area of perceived conflict would greatly benefit both scientific and religious communities, and contribute to the spiritual quest of humankind. Whilst affirming that the Bible should be interpreted according to proper hermeneutical principles such as considering the literary genre, literary context, meaning of words, grammatical relationship, and the background and concerns of the ancient authors, this book also assesses the scientific data according to proper mainstream scientific methodology. Having accomplished these tasks, it proposes a model which argues that all humans today have Adam as common ancestor even though this ancestor is not our sole ancestor.

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Reviews

What are humans and how did we arise? The story of human evolution seems to contradict with the old story in Scripture of Adam and Eve. Can these sacred and natural histories be held together? Much conflict swirls around this question. But our best science tells us that Adam and Eve, if they were real people, would have been genealogical ancestors of us all. This recent advance in scientific understanding is stimulating a productive conversation between scientists, theologians, exegetes, and philosophers. We are sorting out the image of God and the Fall, considering together the grand question of what it means to be human. At the crossroads of this lively exchange, the philosopher Loke courageously explores a new range of possibilities, delineating the range that makes most theological sense to him. Sure to surprise many, even the concerns of many anti-evolutionists, including a literal reading of Scripture, can be attended while affirming evolution. Whether we agree or disagree with the particulars, Loke's contribution is undeniably important; this book is a milestone in the larger conversation. -- S. Joshua Swamidass, author of The Genealogical Adam and Eve, and Associate Professor of Laboratory and Genomic Medicine, Washington University, USA Just what does it mean to reconcile Adam with evolution? Evangelical Christians have become deeply troubled by this question, and although there have been many answers, many falter for lack of deep-level engagement with all of the relevant philosophical, historical, theological and hermeneutical areas, not to mention scientific. Loke is one evangelical who is equipped to tackle these diverse problems with skill. For those who worry about Genesis and science, Loke's study provides clarity and ingenuity. -- Mark Harris, University of Edinburgh, UK

What are humans and how did we arise? The story of human evolution seems to contradict with the old story in Scripture of Adam and Eve. Can these sacred and natural histories be held together? Much conflict swirls around this question. But our best science tells us that Adam and Eve, if they were real people, would have been genealogical ancestors of us all. This recent advance in scientific understanding is stimulating a productive conversation between scientists, theologians, exegetes, and philosophers. We are sorting out the image of God and the Fall, considering together the grand question of what it means to be human. At the crossroads of this lively exchange, the philosopher Loke courageously explores a new range of possibilities, delineating the range that makes most theological sense to him. Sure to surprise many, even the concerns of many anti-evolutionists, including a literal reading of Scripture, can be attended while affirming evolution. Whether we agree or disagree with the particulars, Loke's contribution is undeniably important; this book is a milestone in the larger conversation. --S. Joshua Swamidass, author of The Genealogical Adam and Eve, and Associate Professor of Laboratory and Genomic Medicine, Washington University, USA Just what does it mean to reconcile Adam with evolution? Evangelical Christians have become deeply troubled by this question, and although there have been many answers, many falter for lack of deep-level engagement with all of the relevant philosophical, historical, theological and hermeneutical areas, not to mention scientific. Loke is one evangelical who is equipped to tackle these diverse problems with skill. For those who worry about Genesis and science, Loke's study provides clarity and ingenuity. --Mark Harris, University of Edinburgh, UK

Author Information

Andrew Loke is Associate Professor at Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong.

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