What is atavism?

Answer

Atavism refers to the tendency to revert to ancient or ancestral roots. For instance, in genetics, atavism can be seen when a blue-eyed individual is born into a family with a history of brown-eyed individuals, but with a great-great-grandmother who had blue eyes. The term “atavism” originates from the Latin word atavus, which means “ancestor.”

In modern society, atavism is exemplified by a family choosing to leave their comfortable suburban residence for a weekend camping trip or grilling steaks outdoors on a barbecue while their modern stove remains unused indoors. The Paleolithic Diet, based on the concept of atavism, suggests that consuming the foods of our ancient ancestors can aid in weight management and reduce health risks like coronary heart disease and diabetes. A darker instance of atavism is the admiration of Adolf Hitler by a small faction of German youths.

Within religion, atavism is evident in the revival of paganism and the increasing fascination with ancient beliefs across Europe. Nordic paganism, or Ásatrú, is currently the fastest-growing religion in Iceland, where a temple dedicated to Thor and Odin is being built (Iceland Magazine, Oct. 17, 2018). This will mark the first pagan temple constructed in Iceland in over a millennium. In 2016, Denmark established its inaugural temple devoted to the worship of Odin. The resurgence of interest in German paganism, also referred to as Heathenry, involves the veneration of ancient German deities along with elves and trolls. The renewed enthusiasm for paganism seems to be addressing the spiritual vacuum created by the waning influence of Christianity in Europe.

Atavism, the inclination to reconnect with one’s ancestral heritage, is also reflected in the original sin inherited from Adam and Eve. Despite being created in the image of God «So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. », (Gene

Sis 1:27), this image has been tainted by the first couple’s rebellious act that ushered sin into the world (Genesis 3). We sin because we have a sin nature; we inherited this sin nature from Adam. Sin is a part of our spiritual DNA. The apostle Paul wrote, “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned” «Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: », (Romans 5:12, ESV). No matter how good we try to be, we always revert to our spiritual roots, and we sin (see Romans 7:14-25).

Other than our Lord Jesus, no one born of woman can boast of sinless perfection. Even the best among us is marred by Adam’s sin and cannot measure up to God’s exacting standard of righteousness «for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; », (Romans 3:23). As the wages of sin is eternal death «For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.», (Romans 6:23), there would be no hope for man if it were not for the sacrificial death, burial, and bodily resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16;Ephesians 2:8-9;Romans 5:12;Romans 8:1). Sin came through the first Adam, but Christ Jesus, the “second Adam,” overcame the power of sin and death and gives those who believe in Him everlasting life «And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. », (2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 8:38-39; Philippians 1:6).