Who are these two Adams, signifying two opposing aspects of the human personality?3 The first Adam seeks to “fill the earth and subdue it” (Gen. 1:28); that is, to conquer, to create, to dominate, to control. He seeks “majesty” and “dignity.” The goal is to “harness and dominate the elemental natural forces and to put them at his disposal.” He seeks to vanquish disease, conquer space, forge political structures, create things of beauty, and legislate norms. Adam the First’s endeavors are legitimate, indeed mandated; for God wills that he create and that he master his environment. Adam’s
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