​​​TERRA FLAMMEA, meaning "earth engulfed in flames." This is how the theologian Hilary of Poitiers translates the name of the first person who lived on earth - Adam.

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In Hebrew, the name Adam shares its root with the Hebrew words אדמה‏‎ (adamah) - "earth" and ‏אדום‏‎ (adom) - "red." Attempting to penetrate its inherent meaning, Hilary thus seeks to understand the essence and purpose of human existence. Why did the Lord name the first human Adam?

For is this suffering blood-red flesh not truly engulfed in flames? Does this earth not burn with desires and passions? Why is human life inseparable from pain and suffering, and why does the mortal body seem to burn up in life's fire?