A-Z: Famous stories from the Bible: Adam and Eve/Creation

Definition

Adam and EveThe Bible begins with a story of the origin of the world and of humankind. This is not an account of 'how' but 'why'. Genesis chapter 1 is the first account describing the creation of light and darkness, the animal and vegetable kingdoms, culminating in the creation of man 'in the image of God'. This process takes place over a period of 7 'days'. Genesis 2 is a separate account in which God plants a garden. Here Adam, symbolising humankind, is placed to tend the garden with Eve whom God creates as his companion. The author thereby emphasises the divine origin of monogamous marriage. The story illustrates: ' that the world was created by God ' God's authority over the world ' the responsibility of humankind to care for the world, to acknowledge its status as created by God and live in obedience to him.

Related Topics

Big ideas: Creation, creativity, image of God; Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve, 'Second Adam'; Sin

Cultural References

Paradise Lost (Milton)

Bible References

Genesis 1:1-26
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