"Royce Anderson provides a masterful interdisciplinary bridge between modern behavioral science and ancient primeval history. By operationalizing concepts like Mirror Self-Recognition and moral development stages, he transforms our understanding of Genesis into a vivid record of human maturation. This book is an essential read for scholars seeking a fresh, evidence-based perspective on the "psychic events" that shaped human civilization." -- Moshe S. Rachmuth, Portland State University "A groundbreaking, interdisciplinary study of the emergence of self-awareness in human evolutionary history, as glimpsed through the Eden narrative and the figures of Cain and Noah, read especially in light of developmental psychology and the archaeology of human origins. It has profound implications for biblical scholarship and theology and should also be of deep interest to scholars from across the social sciences." -- Ian Curran, Georgia Gwinnett College "This creative and comprehensible book uses concepts from psychology and other behavioral sciences in inventive ways, with exceptionally balanced engagement with biblical studies methods. Royce Anderson reveals how ancient thinking reflects contemporary psychological theories in providing a fresh approach to exploring Genesis.

Though not the first attempt at employing psychology to aid biblical interpretations, Anderson's approach is personal, persuasive, and powerful. This book is a must read for anyone interested in how core biblical narratives continue to provide meaningful insights for us today." -- Nathaniel Holmes, Jr., Florida Memorial University.