Peter Enns - The Evolution of Adam

The author sets the task of explaining how the biblical creation story should be viewed, not to clash with current onslaught on religion, specifically Christianity and Judaism, through ridicule of the sacred texts as scientific understanding improves. He states that Adam, to be considered the original man is incorrect, a new perspective is required on this.

The timeline and author of the Old Testament is evaluated, and an interesting array of historical biblical scholarly discoveries are noted. The outcome is that the biblical Old Testament, inclusive of the Pentateuch, is a "postexilic ancient history of Israelite self-definition and spiritual encouragement", with many authors. Genesis in particular was not written by Moses, but several centuries later, from a number of sources, and not a scientific document. Narratives are drawn with the the religious creation tales of time related civilizations to emphasize the biblical creation story being similar, but adjusted to highlight the attributes of Israel's God

The author is not scared to respectfully touch the sensitivity associated with the questions asked, and puts the facts on the table. This is a very important book for any person who wants to stay religious in the modern era.