The Counterpoints Series, of which this is a volume, is designed to present several common viewpoints on an issue, rebuttal from representatives of the other viewpoints, then a pastoral reflection from different perspectives. I liken this series to the Bedford Critical Editions for literature in that they too present different schools of thought using a common work as a focal point.

This volume deals with the question of Adam's historicity. The presentations are quite good (I'm not saying they are necessarily successful at convincing anyone, just that they do a good job of explaining what their view is and why) without requiring a significant theological background. I don't think that my personal view is important for this review but I will say that, while my opinion was not changed, I gained a substantially better understanding of each view.

The pastoral reflections at the end were quite interesting. Where the presentations of each viewpoint were designed to be explanatory the reflections were a bit more application-based (for lack of a better term) in that they address what it means for there to have been or not have been an actual Adam.

I think this would be an excellent introduction to this particular debate for anyone interested. There are footnotes throughout to aid in further research and the format will allow both casual and serious students to refer easily to the volume in the future.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley. ( )