In modern religious thought, the figure of Adam is primarily regarded as the original representative of humanity, a symbol of humanity’s fall and the imperfection of human nature.

Adam as the Archetype of Fall and Redemption

In modern religious thought, the figure of Adam is primarily regarded as the original representative of humanity, a symbol of humanity’s fall and the imperfection of human nature. On one hand, Adam embodies the experience of losing a utopian ideal—when, after losing the "earthly paradise," he experienced deep sorrow and sought solace in a return to lost sanctity. On the other hand, his image serves as an example of unfulfilled spiritual and moral perfection, which was only overcome through the figure of Christ, acting as the second Adam.

Thus, one source emphasizes that "the primordial Adam failed to accomplish the task set before him—to achieve deification through spiritual and moral perfection and to bring the visible world to God. After violating the commandment and falling from the sweetness of paradise, the path to deification was closed to him" (source: link txt). Here, a clear contrast emerges between the incompleteness of Adam’s mission and the complete redemptive work accomplished by God’s incarnation in the person of Jesus Christ.

Another source draws attention to the fact that Adam became a representative not only of his own era but also of all people who inherit his sinful nature: "All people are sinful not only because we are descendants of Adam, but also because he was our representative for whom we must bear responsibility. ... Adam rather symbolizes 'the greedy, proud, and idolatrous force of the flesh'" (source: link txt). This interpretation is hard to reconcile with the concept of holiness, as it is the negative qualities reflected in his image that emphasize the lament of the state of the world rather than its potential for deification.

Thus, modern religious thought tends to view the figure of Adam more as an archetype of original fall and moral responsibility rather than as a personality capable of regaining a status of sanctity. His role lies not in the revival of holiness but in illustrating the issues of human choice and the consequences of sin, from which ultimately emerges the salvific mission of Christ.

Supporting citation(s):
"Primordial Adam failed to accomplish the task set before him—to achieve deification through spiritual and moral perfection and to bring the visible world to God. After violating the commandment and falling from the sweetness of paradise, the path to deification was closed to him." (source: link txt)

"All people are sinful not only because we are descendants of Adam, but also because he was our representative for whom we must bear responsibility. ... Adam rather symbolizes 'the greedy, proud, and idolatrous force of the flesh.'" (source: link txt)