What Really Happened in the Garden of Eden?

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Bible & Bible Studies, Old Testament, Criticism & Interpretation, Study
Cover of the book What Really Happened in the Garden of Eden? by Ziony Zevit, Yale University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Ziony Zevit ISBN: 9780300195330
Publisher: Yale University Press Publication: November 26, 2013
Imprint: Language: English
Author: Ziony Zevit
ISBN: 9780300195330
Publisher: Yale University Press
Publication: November 26, 2013
Imprint:
Language: English

The Garden of Eden story, one of the most famous narratives in Western history, is typically read as an ancient account of original sin and humanityÆs fall from divine grace. In this highly innovative study, Ziony Zevit argues that this is not how ancient Israelites understood the early biblical text. Drawing on such diverse disciplines as biblical studies, geography, archaeology, mythology, anthropology, biology, poetics, law, linguistics, and literary theory, he clarifies the worldview of the ancient Israelite readers during the First Temple period and elucidates what the story likely meant in its original context.

Most provocatively, he contends that our ideas about original sin are based upon misconceptions originating in the Second Temple period under the influence of Hellenism. He shows how, for Ancient Israelites, the story was really about how humans achieved ethical discernment. He argues further that Adam was not made from dust and that Eve was not made from AdamÆs rib.  His study unsettles much of what has been taken for granted about the story for more than two millennia and has far-reaching implications for both literary and theological interpreters.

The Garden of Eden story, one of the most famous narratives in Western history, is typically read as an ancient account of original sin and humanityÆs fall from divine grace. In this highly innovative study, Ziony Zevit argues that this is not how ancient Israelites understood the early biblical text. Drawing on such diverse disciplines as biblical studies, geography, archaeology, mythology, anthropology, biology, poetics, law, linguistics, and literary theory, he clarifies the worldview of the ancient Israelite readers during the First Temple period and elucidates what the story likely meant in its original context.

Most provocatively, he contends that our ideas about original sin are based upon misconceptions originating in the Second Temple period under the influence of Hellenism. He shows how, for Ancient Israelites, the story was really about how humans achieved ethical discernment. He argues further that Adam was not made from dust and that Eve was not made from AdamÆs rib.  His study unsettles much of what has been taken for granted about the story for more than two millennia and has far-reaching implications for both literary and theological interpreters.

More books from Yale University Press

Cover of the book The Anatomy of Influence: Literature as a Way of Life by Ziony Zevit
Cover of the book Doing School: How We Are Creating a Generation of Stressed-Out, Materialistic, and Miseducated Students by Ziony Zevit
Cover of the book Suicidal Behavior in Children and Adolescents by Ziony Zevit
Cover of the book Dark Inheritance by Ziony Zevit
Cover of the book Why Liberalism Failed by Ziony Zevit
Cover of the book One Nation Under Contract: The Outsourcing of American Power and the Future of Foreign Policy by Ziony Zevit
Cover of the book A New History of Early Christianity by Ziony Zevit
Cover of the book The Exile's Song by Ziony Zevit
Cover of the book Heart Attack! by Ziony Zevit
Cover of the book Sixty to Zero: An Inside Look at the Collapse of General Motors--and the Detroit Auto Industry by Ziony Zevit
Cover of the book Basic Income by Ziony Zevit
Cover of the book Medieval Europe by Ziony Zevit
Cover of the book Nazi Propaganda for the Arab World by Ziony Zevit
Cover of the book Thoreau's Wildflowers by Ziony Zevit
Cover of the book The Glatstein Chronicles by Ziony Zevit
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy