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

by Loren D. Haarsma

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.

Genres: Theology, Science

288 pages, Paperback

Published August 17, 2021

About the author

Loren D. Haarsma has been an associate professor in the Physics and Astronomy Department of Calvin College since 1999. He earned a bachelor's degree from Calvin College, an M.S. from University of Washington, and a Ph.D. in atomic physics from Harvard University. He then did five years of postdoctoral research in neuroscience in Boston and in Philadelphia. His scientific research is in electrophysiology, studying the activity of ion channels in nerve cells and other cell types. He has written numerous book chapters, articles, and lectures on topics at the intersection of science, philosophy, and religion.

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing Academic Examination. Let's make this very clear up front: This is a book for academic types. This is FAR from casual reading. And yet, its premise is interesting enough that many may want to slog through it anyway - as I did. :D Just know up front that this *is* a very dense, very logically-detailed examination of its subject. That noted, this text does a phenomenal job of showing what the historical and current academic thinking is on its dual subjects of human evolution and Original Sin, and it does a similarly superb job of explaining in detail, in many cases point by point, exactly how the two might be reconciled. Indeed, particularly for the casual reader that Just. Wants. An. Answer!!!!!... this book probably won't be what you're looking for. It never really proffers one, instead acknowledging that there is still more research and thinking to do in both arenas before a definitive conclusion can truly be reached. Still, for what it actually is and for how it is actually written, this is truly a strong work of scholarship and contemplation, and within the space it is meant to occupy it could indeed be quite a standout. Very much recommended.

[Kristine Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review Title: Explores a range of possibilities for the beginning of sin faithful to scripture and science

When Did Sin Begin? is a very thorough, thoughtful, and dense read, but still accessible exploration of a range of possible views on Adam and Eve, the origin of sin, the timeframe and results of the fall, the transmission of sin and/or guilt, the image of God, and more, that remains faithful both to scripture and what is known about the evolutionary origins of humanity. I highly recommend this book for those looking for a deep dive into the subject of the origin of sin and related questions.

In addition to an introduction and conclusion, the book has the following chapters:
1. Scripture, Science, and the Holy Spirit
2. Creation, Evolution, and Divine Action
3. Suffering and Death before Humans
4. Human Evolution
5. The Soul, the Imago Dei, and Special Divine Action
6. Adam and Eve in Scripture
7. The Doctrine of Original Sin through Church History
8. What is Sin?
9. What Changed when Sin Began?
10. Whose Fault Is It?
11. Difficult Questions for Each Type of Scenario

The focus in each of these chapters is to address these 4 general types of scenarios:
1. Adam and Eve as particular historical individuals acting as representatives of humanity.
2. Adam and Eve as particular historical individuals; sin spread through culture or genealogy.
3. Adam and Eve as a highly compressed history referring to many individuals over a long period of time who received special revelation.
4. Adam and Eve as symbolic figures referring to many individuals over a long period of time, all who became ready to be held accountable and chose sin.

In each area of discussion, the author describes several possible options, some of which overlap or apply to more than one of the general scenarios. He then goes on to very logically and systematically address the pros and cons of each option. He often follows the pattern “There are reasons to favor xxx ……. There are some theological concerns with xxx……… However, this theological concern does not necessarily rule out this answer …...”.

It was fascinating to look at all of the possibilities and ways to think about these important aspects of Christian doctrine. I found myself favoring some views over others but being thankful for multiple approaches to consider. I especially appreciated and was inspired by the conclusion of the book: “Above all, God gave us Jesus Christ. His words and actions show us how we should live in a world where there is sin. His life, suffering, death, and resurrection show us the full extent of God’s self-giving love. Whatever we might learn about how and when sin began, and whatever mysteries might remain, we know what God is doing about the problem. We know that God’s victory is assured. Christ is God’s ultimate answer.”

[Jake Brinkman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad book on the topic, I appreciate the author's presentation of different possibilities for doctrines involving original sin in light of the modern consensus concerning evolution. This book does not argue for or against evolution - it simply assumes evolution to be true and addresses how we might understand original sin in light of it. This is probably the greatest value of the book - instead of just being another debate about the validity of evolution (from either a Scriptural or scientific basis), we are able to skip that and simply look at what the impact of evolution's veracity has on how we view original sin. Whether one accepts that evolution is true or not, it is informative in bringing to light scenarios for how to interpret Scripture from the perspective that it is. Neatly organized, charitable, and warm, there is an evident sincerity that runs throughout the pages. A conflict that can commonly become heated, it is pleasant to see a calm and sober writing on the discussion.

I would recommend the book to those who are interested in the topic of creation, evolution, and how our doctrine is informed by the discussion. He does not really say anything new, but rather compiles several strands of thought and conveniently puts it into one place, offering side by side analysis and the pros and cons of different views of original sin in light of the scientific evidence for an old earth and the common ancestry of terrestrial beings. The lack of dogmatism is refreshing.

The book is sufficient for what it sets out to achieve, although it ought be read in tandem with many other resources (the author admits as such). This book alone makes none an expect in this arena but its orderly and simply style makes it accessible to anyone.

*This review is written by someone who, while open to the possibility, has a difficult time believing that evolution and Scripture are compatible. I believe this book to be helpful to believers (and non-believers) on both sides of the issue.

[Robert Strauss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raises more questions than answers

The book forces one to ponder many questions in looking at when sin entered the world versus the onset of “humans”. Very good discussions on the many possibilities that God used to accomplish His plans for humanity.

[Rafael Sales · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so amazing... I don't agreed with everything, but this book helps you understand how to connect evolution theory and doctrine of sin.

[Jace Broadhurst · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited about this book because almost no one is willing to tackle the question of original sin. This book did address the issue, but still seemed to heavily, favor a historical first man. While it is often brought up as an option, the idea of a metaphorical or archetypal Adam isn’t dealt with seriously and that is because of the theology/science theme. This book was about where systematic theology meets science and needed to discuss the question of an original couple. So if you come in assuming this is a scientific book, then you will be happier. It is not a hermeneutics book and at least for me it did not end up answering my questions. But then again, I find systematic theology less and less helpful as I continue to grow.