When Did Sin Begin?

Scholars have proposed competing scenarios for interpreting Genesis 2-3, including Adam and Eve: (1) as recent (~10,000 years ago) representatives of humanity; (2) as ancient (~200,000 years) representative-ancestors; and (3) as symbolic of many acts of disobedience by many individuals. I will discuss some theological pros and cons facing each of those scenarios, as well as the common theological core which they share affirming God’s goodness, sin as rebellion, and atonement through Christ.