CAIN: His Life and Legacy
A new study of Cain traces his life and descendants and asks what the Bible’s account of him means for believers today.
Read Time: 2 minutes
CAIN — His Life and Legacy examines the man Cain, what he did, what he said, and what is said about him. There may be more to it than you think. The book presses us to ask, “if all scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” what exactly are the profitable issues raised in the life of Cain and how are they relevant today? The issues raised in the lean and powerful Bible text spotlight human character, thinking and behavior. From the misty antediluvian age to the present, the Bible gives one coherent message, and the message has an unsettling ring of truth.
This book is carefully reasoned, its case well-constructed. With careful attention to the Genesis account, the dichotomy of human thinking emerges: rebellion or faith, fratricide or brotherly love, revenge or forgiveness. These alarming contrasts are present in the lives of the first ten generations of humankind, ravaging recklessly or passing peacefully down through the ages to our own day.
To say this book reads like a murder mystery would detract from the gravity of its subject. But the pull to read on is strong. The author directs our attention to how masterfully Scripture is crafted. We are invited to circle around, to look again as our spiritual senses come into focus. Circling around a question, we gain a fuller view; the author leads us skillfully. For instance, on page 88, “Returning to the original question: Why was Cain so significant to the early Christian ecclesia? To understand why he is mentioned throughout the New Testament, consider why Old Testament authors did not refer to him.” CAIN — His Life and Legacy is a sterling example of how to meditate on the Word and how to develop sound habits of Bible study.
In this book we come face to face with the challenge of all time. In seventy-seven generations, the fulcrum of human history in God’s estimation comes fully into view. Cain, not capable of self-reflection, hating the goodness in his brother, justifies murder and seeks self-preservation. Tragically, his lack of self-reflection leads to lack of self-control. He and his descendants act out evil on what is good, feel no remorse, and no need of forgiveness. Over time, their evil deeds even come to be viewed as good.
Belief that “all scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” compels us to pay attention. What is the trajectory of our life, individually and collectively? Is it careful faith or reckless rebellion, brotherly love or fratricide, forgiveness or revenge, the way of Cain or the way of Christ’s brethren? I heartily recommend CAIN — His Life and Legacy.
Carol Link (Baltimore, MD)