A Scientific Case for Adam and Eve? Evolution, Genesis, and the Question of Human Origins

w/ Dr. Joshua Swamidass and Dr. Nathan Lents

Join us for the Spring 2022 UNC Veritas Forum, an annual event that puts the Christian faith in dialogue with other beliefs and invites participants from all backgrounds to seek truth together.

This year’s Forum features Dr. Joshua Swamidass, a biostatistician and Christian, and Dr. Nathan Lents, a biologist and secular humanist, in conversation with one another about evolution, the Genesis account of Adam and Eve, and the question of human origins.

Dr. Swamidass is the author of The Genealogical Adam and Eve (2019) in which he tests a scientific hypothesis: What if the traditional biblical account is somehow true, with the origins of Adam and Eve taking place alongside evolution? Building on well-established but overlooked science, Swamidass explains how it's possible for Adam and Eve to be rightly identified as the ancestors of everyone. His analysis attempts to open up new possibilities for understanding Adam and Eve, consistent both with current scientific consensus and with traditional readings of Scripture.

Dr. Lents makes for an excellent conversation partner - as a secular humanist, he does not accept the biblical account of Adam and Eve but nonetheless wrote an endorsement and favorable review of Dr. Swamidass’ book, defending the scientific rigor of its argument.

This year’s Forum will be moderated by Dr. Jeremy Purvis, Associate Professor of Genetics at UNC.

The Veritas Forum is jointly hosted by a coalition of campus ministries and student organizations at UNC.