the concept of prophets
Reply #13 - March 26, 2014, 07:21 PM
Adam, the word, means Man or Mankind. The character Adam is just the embodiment of the creation of man via a figure one can relate to. Adam, as a person, provides a source of authority in one can call upon similar to a hereditary king or family. If you read through the Bible all major prophets and "true" Kings have been of the "pure" line of Adam. All "impure" lines have been corrupted by devils, Satan, Cain, etc. People have used various claims of family lines to reinforce their own claims to property, kingship, etc. Sumerian government was based on Priest-Kings so this is similar to the claims of Divine guidance of the Israelite prophets. Beside what better way is there to reinforce one's authority by invoking the authority of the God(s) people already worship. It is one of the best arguments from authority, one which most people can not refuted unless rivaled in material resources; military, economic, etc. Reference Saul and David for an idea of how one can be the chosen for God yet fall from "grace" due to material world based consequences.
Change the details a bit and you will see how many religious figures have used God(s) as a source of authority an average person can not challenge. All their failures are based on the material world and thir actions within it. As soon as one fails there is blood in the water and the sharks are out in force. The successor, or usurper, is always the one the God(s) suddenly favor next until the next failure along with the next person "favored" by the Gods.