Bibliography
| Title: "Adam" in Major Authors of Early Judaism Type: Thesis Year: 1985 Abstract: "The objective of this dissertation is to provide a reliable and thorough analysis of the interpretation of passages related to "Adam" in Early Judaism, ca. 200 B.C.E.-135 C.E. The seven writings analyzed, all of which are of relatively certain date, represent several approaches and traditions: (1) Wisdom (Sirach; Wisdom of Solomon); (2) Philo Judaeus; (3) Exegetical elaborations (Jubilees; Josephus); (4) Apocalyptic (4 Ezra; 2 Baruch). Two other Texts, the Apocalypse of Moses and Vita Adae at Evae are examined because of their importance, but their data are excluded from the general conclusion because their dates of origin, while possibly during the first century, are uncertain. The analyses of the documents (ch. 2-8) are exegetical. We have attempted to determine how these authors adapted, in accordance with their individual Tendenzen passages from Genesis concerning "Adam". The conclusion contains a comparative analysis of these seven early Jewish authors with respect to the following topics: (1) The interpretations of Gen 1:26-28, Gen 2:7, and a combination of Gen 1:26-28 and 2:7; (2) The original nature of Adam; (3) The transgression of Adam; (4) The effects of Adam's transgression. Several observations become evident. First, diversity characterizes the interpretations of Adam in Early Judaism. This is the result of the influence which each author's Tendenz exercised over his interpretation of Adam. Consequently, it is inappropriate to speak of persistent Adam motifs; they do not exist. Second, the traditions of which these authors were a part inevitably affected their interpretations of Adam. As a result, nearly all similarities occur within specific traditions rather than between different traditions. This is particularly true of the wisdom and apocalyptic traditions, which offer interpretations widely different from each other. Third, a common dependence upon Genesis explains the occurrence of a single concept or idea in various writings. Despite this common point of departure, and due to diverse Tendenzen and traditions, no concept or detail is interpreted similarly in the seven authors of Early Judaism which we analyzed". Keywords: Theology of Ancient Judaism and early Christianity |