Professional paper

Parenting in the First Biblical Family

Domagoj Runje orcid.org/0000-0002-6244-362X ; Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Split, Split, Croatia *

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

The article analyses fundamental anthropological and pedagogical insights of the biblical primaeval history through the relationships among Adam and Eve and their sons, Cain, Abel, and Seth. The author shows that upbringing in the first family unfolds without prior models, yet within a strong theological framework in which the human being is created in the image of God. The parents transmit to their children work-related, moral, and religious values, even though the biblical text does not describe explicit methods of upbringing. A key limit of parental influence is also emphasized: the freedom of the children remains inviolable, as dramatically manifested in Cain’s fratricide. A comparison of Cain’s and Seth’s lineages reveals how constructive and destructive values can be transmitted across generations, with Seth’s line representing a renewal of religious and moral orientation. Thus, biblical primeval history offers a paradigmatic portrayal of upbringing rooted in relationship to God, freedom, and responsibility.

Keywords

biblical anthropology; God the Creator; children; upbringing; parenthood; faith

Hrčak ID:

343594

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/343594

Publication date:

20.1.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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