Old Testament scholar and friend of the show Dr. John Walton joins the gang to discuss his new book – “The Lost World of Adam and Eve.” Were Adam and Eve real people? Were they created immortal? And what’s with that crazy “No really – God made you from my rib” story? Sure to be a conversation starter!
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If you ever put together a best of album, this one needs to be near the top of the list. Even though I do not consider myself to be dull, I do not tend to think deeply on my own and your podcast has been stretching me in those avenues. This podcast, while deep in content, was explained so well that it was easy to follow and understand. I look forward with baited breath for Dr. Walton’s return to continue this discussion.
You continually encourage this older woman. Love having my brain challenged! Thanks much.
Hi Phil!
I had the pleasure of taking Dr. Walton’s Old Testament Literature class last fall, and this podcast was a great way to refresh my memory of some things. You should definitely invite him back to explain more. It’s all very interesting, and we evangelical Christians would do well to challenge our commonly-held interpretations of the Bible (especially the book of Genesis).
Patrick Farley
Excellent show, I love these types of discussions.
If the members of my strict Calvanist church in small town Minnesota were to hear this podcast (which they wouldn’t because the internet is only for porn right?) they would have a Veggie Tale bonfire in the parking lot!
Thank you Dr. Walton for encouraging us to think!!
This discussion blew my mind, which is one of my favorite kind of discussion! I can’t say I’m sure I agree with all of Dr. Walton’s interpretations or ideas, but it definitely gave me another twist on things. I do have a few fears though – first, are you sure we are not over complicating things here? Correct me if I’m wrong, but the purpose of these chapters in Genesis to the Israelites was to tell them who we are – our identity. But we’re not Israelites, so while we should be aware of what the passage meant to them, isn’t it enough for us to know that God created us in his image, and that our present state of sin is the result of rebellion? I’m not saying the details are unimportant, but I can see how this overcomplicating things would really confuse and drive away many of my friends. I think it’s well and good for established Christians to dig deeper into Scriptures, but when it comes to evangelizing, I think we need to be careful not to dive into these details immediately – after all, you don’t go scuba diving without some training & prepping beforehand, and you don’t build a house by starting with the roof.
My other confusion is when Dr. Walton said its possible that God did not create the world perfect. That is a struggle for me – why would God create death? Why would he create an imperfect world if he is perfect and cannot be around imperfection? It doesn’t make sense to me how a perfect God could create anything that wasn’t perfect. He makes it pretty clear (at least to me) that God does not like death – in the Gospels Jesus wept when Lazarus died, and he came to save us from spiritual death. So why on earth would God create something he despises? Of course he used death, just like he uses imperfect people, but that does not mean to me that he approved of death, anymore than he approved when his children sin, though he forgives them.
I would love it if you guys could help answer this for me! I know I don’t know everything (I am only 17), and that’s why I love this podcast. Theology, apologetics, church history & anything related to the Bible fascinate me. I am only trying to understand, and again, I do not agree with all of Dr. Walton’s ideas (though his take on Adam meeting Eve was pretty cool), but I appreciate them none the less. Thanks a bunch!
Loved the podcast guys, Dr. Walton’s insight is something I very much appreciated. I would be interested in what he and the regular members of the podcast have to say about theories proposing that the Holy Spirit was accommodating its message spoken through the Biblical writers to their culture’s understanding of science at the time, as articulated by Dr. Denis Lamoureux. I know he and Dr. Walton have commented on each other’s work in the past, what would the major failings of his theory be? Thanks.
So frustrating to listen to all the foolishness and ignorant comments when you have a world-class scholar who is trying to make a point.
Amen-Amein!! Yes, our ONE TRUE GOD THE FATHER who art in Heaven Created Adam and Eve for each other!!
God Bless all my Sisters and Brothers in Christ Jesus-Yeshua and Your Families and Friends!!
Love Always and Shalom ( Peace ) Everyone, YSIC \o/
Kristi Ann