Adam as "Mankind"
These are notes for an incomplete "Concept" page.
- Information is being added as the Bible Pages are added. In the end, everything will be compiled, further information added (as necessary), broken links connected, etc.
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Is there a better name for this topic?
The Issue
Adam represents both himself, and all who would come from him. He is the "head" of the human race, the "head" of his family, the "head" of his wife.
There is a solidarity between the "one" and the "many," between "unity" and "plurality," which has been almost totally disregarded in the self-centered, rebellious "modern" world (at least in "Western" societies). Because of this, there has been an ongoing effort (in the last few decades) to remove even the concept of solidarity of the human race (and any subset of it) from the English language. The successes of this rebellion can be seen in the fact that many people are no longer willing to use words like "mankind" to represent the human race, or the word "his," when referring to a person of unknown gender or to "anonymous" people within a group.
However, defiance and rebellion do not cause truth and reality to change. God defines truth and reality, not rebels. In the end, God's definition of reality will prevail.
It is true that some have distorted these concepts. Some have lived as though "headship" or "authority" justifies a self-centered focus, with the abuse of others - a very wicked distortion of the relationship that God created. Others, equally wicked, are filled with defiant rebellion, unwilling to submit to any God-created authority. Both the tyrant and the rebel have contributed to the modern distortion of the good thing God created (Genesis 1:31). Yet neither of them can negate what God has done - and each will face judgment for his own contribution to the evil attitudes that now permeate society.
Scripture Pages that Link to Here
- V. 26-28 - Definition of "man" as "male and female" - part of what it means to be God's "image bearer," with implications regarding male/female, husband/wife, marriage, etc. [NOTE: Chapter 2 looks at the "unity" aspect of the husband/wife.]
- v. 2 - defines "male and female" as "man" (Some translations may use "Adam" - it's the same Hebrew word.)
Unless otherwise noted, all notes and comments are © by Dennis Hinks.
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