Science and fallenness

Abstract

This entry offers an overview of some ways to consider the Christian doctrine of the fall in light of the conclusions of contemporary science. Commencing with a concise account of the biblical basis for this doctrine, it looks to the second creation story in Genesis and some relevant passages from the New Testament. The entry then considers some concerns that shape the theological readings of scripture which inform some Augustinian views of the fall. The following section discusses how an Augustinian view of the fall can negotiate the challenges posed by contemporary science. Next, there is a look at how scientific challenges can be negotiated by adopting an allegorical reading of the story of the fall, like the readings found in the work of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Karl Barth. Finally, there is a brief mention of Peter Harrison’s account of the impact of the doctrine of the fall on the history of science.