Searching for the Self: Classic Stories, Christian Scripture, and the Quest for Personal Identity

by Adrian T. Smith

“Adam” and “humanity.” They are the same word in Hebrew; his story is our story. Adam; a royal figure. From dust to dominion—an ancient metaphor of enthronement.749 Ruling the animals—a kingly privilege (cf. 1 Kgs 10:22). Bearing God’s image and likeness—words inscribed on ancient statues of kings. “Eat the fruit of knowledge. Be more like God. Why settle for vassal, when you could be the Great King?” (cf. Gen 3:5). From dominion to dust. The exiled keeper of the royal garden (cf. Eccl 2:5–6) now cuts his hands on thorns and thistles. Adam. Humanity. The regal reality is lost, and yet the royal ideal remains. The quest for a true king propels the plotline of the biblical narrative. Fast forward to the time of Samuel. The royal ideal resurfaces. “Establish for us a king to rule us, like all the nations!” (1 Sam 8:5, 19–20). Samuel tried to warn them (1 Sam 8:11–18). Conscription. Taxation. Enslavement. The king would rewrite the royal script; he would import too much of himself into the role. Royal reality may disappoint, but the royal ideal burned bright. Israel’s poets give voice to the royal ideal: O God, grant your justice to the king, and your righteousness to the royal son. He will judge your people in righteousness, and your afflicted ones with justice. The mountains will bring wholeness to the people, and the hills, righteousness. He will vindicate the afflicted among the people, save the children of the poor, and crush the oppressor. (Ps 72:1–4) Fast forward to the...