This lecture will begin by considering the purpose of the Bible and the importance of understanding it within its original cultural and historical context. With regard to cosmic origins, it will discuss the meaning of the biblically-based Judeo-Christian doctrine of creatio ex nihilo and its relationship to the current scientific understanding of the origin of the cosmos. The relationship of the creation story in Genesis 1-3 to other ancient Near Eastern creation stories will be discussed, and the importance of taking this seriously when seeking to understand the biblical story. What is meant by humans being made ‘in the image and likeness of God?’ Does this require humans to be brought into existence in a way different from other creatures? What is the relationship between death and Adam and Eve’s disobedience of God? Consideration will also be given to what the Apostle Paul says about Adam and Christ in Romans 5 and 1 Corinthians 15. Does this require an historical Adam? How can all this be related to an evolutionary understanding of human origins?
Date: January 14, 2021
Speakers: Revd Dr Ernest Lucas