The Death of Adam: Essays on Modern Thought

Robinson turns her keenly analytical mind to the problem of Adamic hubris. She sees the universal adoption of Darwinian thinking by our scientific, social, political, economic, and religious communities a hazard to the existence of mankind (adam) on the earth.Robinson is not a young earth creationist. She does not deny that evolution is a major player in the progress of our universe, planet, and even the human race. What she objects to is the borrowing of Darwin's "survival of the fittest" as an excuse for the raping of the environment and the oppression of the poor.It may well be that the "fittest" can survive at the expense of the unfit. It might also be true that by eliminating the "weak" we enable the "strong" to thrive. But Robinson argues (from her Calvinist background) that it is far from inevitable that the week must perish at the hands, or the devising, of the strong. And arguing again from her Calvinist background she insists that our nearly forgotten religious roots go back to Puritan, and Calvinist, and first century Christian teachings that the strong have an obligation to protect the weak."The Death of Adam" is one of the most challenging books I've read in a long time. One does not need to agree with Robinson's religious justifications for her positions. She makes her case clearly by simply showing how the Darwinian path we are on leads to destruction, for our environment, for our nation, and ultimately for the human race.

So good, so smart, so cantankerous, vox clamantis in deserto. Putting the Enlightenment in its fuller context, shining the light on the estimable Marguerite de Navarre and her intellectual heir - John Calvin and his inestimable contributions to the concept of liberal democracy!, some goodhearted exegesis, and the other (compassionate) side of Puritanism.Not a 'religious' book as such, yet one filled with spirit and tempered by reason. There is always something in Robinson's writing that tickles my casuistry bone, but I'm firmly convinced she'd welcome the debate. Highly recommend.

Reading this book is like a soul-searching journey. In the modern age of cynicism and existentialist crisis, I am at loss of my own spirits, that mysticism Robinson stresses as vital in defining our own humanity. There a lot of things we cannot answer, and Robinson has guided me with reason to believe again.

Many of these essays were excellent. Robinson makes many very good points - particularly regarding those who write about others (like Calvin) without actually having read their work. The last two essays seemed repetitive to me - they made arguments that had already appeared in earlier chapters, and occasionally seemed to re-make the same point multiple times. That said, Robinson's writing is a joy to read. The mechanics of her sentences and her word choices turn all of the essays into sparkling jewels. Have a dictionary handy, as you will be dazzled by some words you don't see often that turn out to be PRECISELY the right choice.

What a refreshing change! To read someone who has actually thought deeply about who she is, and where our culture is going. Thank you, Marilynne Robinson for your clear-eyed, informed, educated and thoughtful reflections, expressed so elegantly! What might be a painful chastisement so well - crafted, and lovingly and humbly delivered, becomes a pleasure.

Described as very good. Previous owner name was printed bold on the top of page edges. The cover was worn.I will not put the book on my book shelf.

I give this book 3 stars because I do like her informed and cogent essay on Darwinism. She has studied the phenomenon in question, considered the opposing views, and presented her case with good logic. Unfortunately, none of these qualities is brought to bear on her next essay, "Family".The writing there is subjective, wandering, and absent of any traditional wisdom or sound research on family. From there we go on to personal reminiscing. This is a book with but one arrow in the quiver.

Great. Thoughts on Darwinism economics a must read

I am not sure that I agree with every word written by Marilynne Robinson but she is someone to read and read again.. I especially liked the essays on Darwin and Marguerite of Navarre. In the first Robinson, eloquent and exact, shows how Darwin's work was a polemic just as much as it was an exposition of scientific thought. In the second (two essays) the nature of Calvinism is explored, with learned speculation about the influence on John Calvin of the sixteenth century princess, herself a sharp-minded poet and patron of religious reform. New ideas, old ideas re- examined, an attack on contemporary materialism, radiant prose, balanced, clear, honest, and subtle. There is no dumbing down in Robinson's work but that is her point - the complexity of things makes them interesting..

Robinson is on form as a voice of intelligent and sensitive American Christianity.

Outstanding! A real mind-blower, and guaranteed to sweep away the cobwebs of complacency!

Ms Robinson strikes a quixotic tone but in having a go at social darwinism I think she's tilting at the wrong windmill as this ideology seems largely defunct. I was disappointed that she didn't take on Dennett's views in, say, "Freedom Evolves" as I think that would have made a fascinating essay. The chapters on the reformists and self improvers of the nineteenth century are very interesting but the later essays on the environment and political correctness suffer from the "it seems to me.." approach- so beloved of Prince Charles in his windier moments.But the true value of the book is in the first chapter where Ms Robinson argues compellingly for genuine academic rigour and a delicious sardonic wit emerges which is sadly absent from the later essays.

When it comes to literature Marilynne Robinson's words and vision is utterly beautiful. In Essays on Modern Thought, the beauty is there and also a very clear, well thought and critically analysed perspective. Will probably be reading this for a second time soon!