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Definition:
The name Adam, which might mean "earthy" or "ruddy," is the general term used in the
ancient Hebrew scriptures for humanity in general. In
Genesis 1-5 and 1 :1, however,
it is used as the name for the first human, created specially by God.
Adam was supposed to have been made in God's image and resided in the Garden of Eden until he, along with Eve, disobeyed God's order not to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and evil. Through this disobedience, sin entered the world - specifically original sin, passed along to all of Adam's descendents. According to Christian tradition, sin established by Adam can only be eliminated through Jesus Christ.
The fact that Adam might mean "ruddy" has given rise to the belief among some, especially members of the Christian Identity movement, that Adam was originally white because the name of "ruddy" is supposed to signify that he was capable of being seen to blush. Thus, it is argued, God's originally created humans were white and all other races must be inferior. This is also combined with the story of Cain and Abel, arguing that the "mark of Cain" means that Cain was black.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
What is Theism?
What is the difference between monotheism and monolatry? Between pantheism and panentheism? How about between animism and shamanism? Or theism and deism? What the heck is henotheism? For that matter, what is and is not a religion?What is Religion?
A system of human beliefs, ideals and practices which is harder to define than it may at first appear.
