Historical Adam and Eve and Race

In 2022, I was a visiting scholar with Reasons to Believe. During my visit, I talked with the host of 28:19, Sandra Dimas. Our conversation centers on how different views of human origin, specifically biblical creation (Adam and Eve) versus evolutionary theories (with or without divine intervention), impact perspectives on racial distinction. Dr. Miller argues that a belief in the special creation of Adam and Eve offers the strongest foundation for rejecting racism, asserting that alternative views, which exclude God from creation, inherently risk creating a hierarchy of human value. The discussion also addresses the historical paradox of Christians who, despite believing in Adam and Eve, still engaged in racial discrimination by distorting theological principles like the "curse of Ham." Ultimately, Dr. Miller advocates for the doctrine of Adam and Eve as the most coherent and consistent basis for combating dehumanization, including racism, across cultures and time.

There are three primary categories of views regarding the origin of humanity. First, naturalists (both atheists and agnostics) reject the historical existence of Adam and Eve, believing humans purely evolved from animals. Second, theistic evolutionists are Christians who also believe in evolution but assert that God had a hand in the process, whether from setting the world in motion and stepping away or through direct intervention in the process of evolution. Third, biblical creationists believe God specially created one pair of humans, Adam and Eve, as the sole progenitors of all mankind.

The concept of "race" as we understand it today is a cultural invention that emerged primarily in the 18th and 19th centuries. Before this period, tribalism existed, but distinctions were not purely based on skin color. Enlightenment thinkers like Kant and Hume began creating philosophies that categorized people based on skin. Charles Darwin later contributed to this by adding a supposed scientific basis for these differences, which further entrenched the destructive ideology of "race" based on phenotypic differences.

When the special creation of Adam and Eve, distinct from animal kinds and bearing the sacred image of God, is removed from the picture, the concept of a shared, inherent sacred worth for all humanity is lost. This absence often leads to a framework where humans are evaluated on a hierarchical scale, with some groups deemed "higher" and others "lower." Historically, this gradation has been applied to race, providing a perceived scientific justification for racist ideologies, even if those advocating alternative views intend to resist such outcomes.

Some Christians, despite adhering to the historical Adam and Eve as sole progenitors, unfortunately engaged in racial prejudice and discrimination. However, this choice distorted core biblical doctrine. For example, some Christians invented theologies, like the "curse of Ham," to counteract the biblical teaching of inherent sacred worth, thereby justifying the subjugation of certain racial groups. While troubling, the question then becomes whether the worldview itself is compatible or incompatible with such views.

Christians can differentiate by emphasizing that the doctrine of a historical Adam and Eve provides the most coherent and strongest foundation for consistently rejecting dehumanization, including racism. While acknowledging that some individuals have misused or distorted this belief, the core principle—that all humanity descends from a single pair created in God's image—affirms the equal sacred worth of all people. The argument is that this worldview offers a robust ethical framework against cultural norms that might otherwise dehumanize, even when such views are not politically popular.

The doctrine of a historical Adam and Eve is considered the "best foundation" because it posits that all humanity originated from a single pair specially created in the image of God. This foundational belief establishes a universal sacred worth for every individual, irrespective of physical characteristics or cultural distinctions. It provides a consistent, unchanging argument against any cultural or political trend that seeks to dehumanize or hierarchize people, offering a basis for resisting discrimination not just when it is socially convenient, but at all times.

The doctrine of a historical Adam and Eve provides a strong foundation for addressing various "dehumanizing constructs that the culture creates," extending beyond just the issue of race. While the specific examples are not detailed in the provided text, the implication is that any cultural trend or ideology that diminishes the inherent worth, dignity, or humanity of individuals or groups can be challenged and resisted based on the belief that all people share a common origin and are created in the sacred image of God.

Sandra Dimas is the Editor-in-Chief at RTB Press and host of RTB’s video podcast (or vodcast) called 28:19. The title of the show is a nod to the Great Commission given in Matthew 28:19, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” The goal of 28:19 goal is to inspire people like YOU—our faithful chapter members—to actively share the gospel with nonbelievers in an entertaining and educational format.

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