Genesis 4:9: Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?" And he said, "I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper?"
is this where all our troubles began?
2007-04-25 02:35:07 · 9 answers · asked by patzky99 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Our troubles began when freewill was bestowed upon man. We can use our freewill to do good or perpetuate evil acts. This Bible passage shows the worst extreme of our freewill.
I think this is the first Bible passage where someone answers a question with a question. That in itself signifies guilt or bewilderment of the question asked by God.
I think the term, "brother's keeper" simply means that everyone should be treated with a degree of respect, civility, and dignity just because we are all human and created by the almighty. In other words, it means, don't be cruel to other people...We all have to manage our own affairs, but it doesn't mean that we have to butt in everyone else's business all the time. I've seen the best of intentions backfire too many times. Still, the humanitarians and Mother Teresa's of the world are rare gems, and we should try to do good when opportunity presents itself. By taking the initiative when these situations arise could be considered being your brother's keeper.
2007-04-25 06:49:50 · answer #1 · answered by cap3382 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First of all, I would like to mention that this is a 'smart alick' remark by Cain. Commonly used by kids when they are in trouble. Akin to "She started it", and "It's not my fault".
And to your question I say, yes we should look out for each other as long as doing so is not enabling an alcoholic, drug addict, or chronic unemployment.
As far as this being where all our troubles began? I don't think so. I think our troubles, as adults, begin when we know something is wrong and still go on like its okay. I am stating this in an extremely simplified way, as your question opens a very complex subject.
After all, we as human beings are complex. This would make for an excellent conversation!!
Thought provoking question Patsky!
2007-04-27 20:55:49 · answer #2 · answered by Threeicys 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I will not be anyones keeper. The way I see it is....if someone is an adult then they are capable of making their own choices and being responsible for themselves. I have a hard enough time getting everything done for myself that I need to so I am not going to be anyone elses keeper.
2007-04-25 09:38:43 · answer #3 · answered by one 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes
2007-04-25 09:37:42 · answer #4 · answered by Screamin' Banshee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The troubles began just before that when humans rejected God. The primary cause of the problems in the world today isn't man's inhumanity to man, it's man's enmity with God. The rest flows from there.
2007-04-25 09:38:07 · answer #5 · answered by sonfai81 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
He had just committed the very first murder in human history......
I'd say he was being a bit mean by saying that. And he was avoiding the truth of what he just did........something we do sometimes even today.
2007-04-25 09:37:53 · answer #6 · answered by primoa1970 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you shouldn't be your brother's keeper, but just maybe you shouldn't be so impertinent to God?
2007-04-25 09:38:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper?"
2007-04-25 09:37:37 · answer #8 · answered by gimmieswag 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'll have to buy a bigger cage.
2007-04-25 09:37:30 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋