When Did Sin Begin?: Human Evolution and the Doctrine of Original Sin - Paperback

by Loren Haarsma (Author)

The question of the "historical Adam" is a flashpoint for many evangelical readers and churches. Science-and-theology scholar Loren Haarsma--who has studied, written, and spoken on science and faith for decades--shows it is possible both to affirm what science tells us about human evolution and to maintain belief in the doctrine of original sin. Haarsma argues that there are several possible ways of harmonizing evolution and original sin, taking seriously both Scripture and science. He presents a range of approaches without privileging one over the others, examining the strengths and challenges of each.

Back Jacket

A Science-and-Theology Scholar Reconciles Human Evolution and Original Sin

This book argues that there are several possible ways to harmonize the doctrine of original sin and human evolution, taking seriously both Scripture and science.

"The question of the 'historical Adam' in the light of the teaching of the Bible in dialogue with evolutionary theory is one of the most pressing theological questions facing the church today. Haarsma guides the reader through different possible scenarios of understanding that help the reader navigate the issues surrounding this important question. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to the church."
--Tremper Longman III, Westmont College (emeritus)

"In When Did Sin Begin? Haarsma does not provide any one definitive answer, but only because, as this book makes clear, this question opens up a number of other important queries, each of which elicits a range of viable theological responses. Skeptics of religion who don't think that Christian faith has the capacity to engage with an evolutionary world are thus uninformed: rather than a shortage, we have an overabundance of theological resources that can help us interact with and even anticipate the dynamic spectrum of scientific scenarios regarding human origins."
--Amos Yong, Fuller Theological Seminary

"My own work as a sociologist shows that Christians need rigorous examples of deep theological debate that takes science and Christian doctrine seriously. When Did Sin Begin? is an accessible, lively, rich volume that is an excellent example of this kind of debate."
--Elaine Howard Ecklund, Rice University; author of Why Science and Faith Need Each Other

"While taking a high view of the truth and authority of Scripture, Haarsma takes readers on a deep dive into the various ways the scientific evidence may be understood, and the biblical questions grappled with, in each scenario. I anticipate this will become a frequently cited work."
--Gregg Davidson, University of Mississippi

"If anyone has serious questions whether a person can believe both Jesus and evolution, I recommend Haarsma's book."--Jay Johnson, Christianity Today

Author Biography

Loren Haarsma (PhD, Harvard University) is associate professor of physics at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is a fellow of the American Scientific Affiliation, a member of the BioLogos Voices network of scholars, and has studied, written, and spoken on topics at the intersection of science and faith for nearly forty years.