Please pick one of the following interpretations ("A" or "B") as most important. If you want to contribute to the discussion (& aim for the 10 points), also say why.
A. The Genesis story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden is literally true. The story tells how the earth was formed, how life began, and how evil entered into creation. The narrative is only helpful to human beings if we interpret the biblical creation story as the history of interactions between God and humans in the past.
B. The Genesis story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden is a metaphor. It teaches that each of us has been given a paradise that we spoiled when we gave into temptation. The narrative is only helpful if we can identify with Adam and Eve in our present lives, and their historic existence is ultimately immaterial.
2007-11-07 15:33:00 · 19 answers · asked by NHBaritone 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Though I view option "B" as the proper interpretation, it is option "A" that is more personally relevant, not because I believe it is true, but because the vast Christian majority in the USA do, and it affects me and those I care for.
The story of Adam & Eve forms the starting point for the Christian crusade for hate against homosexuals, ignorance against science (particularly evolutionary theory), enslavement of women, promotion of "Abstinance-Only" school programs (that have NO effectiveness on rates of pregnancy & STDs), and a host of other sexually repressive concepts.
In my opinion, the vast majority of Christians have misinterpreted the story of Adam & Eve and twisted the meaning of it's various elements. Which is why god comes off as being a cruel manipulative being the way they present him in this story.
As much as I'd like to elaborate on this point and present god in a much more favorable light (i.e. less cruel and manipulative) and much more compassionate and fatherly. It would take up alot more space on here than anyone would wish to see. The 2 key points though are:
1) The tree of knowledge of good and evil was not a test.
2) Sex/nudity/lust was not the "Original Sin" as many imply.
Like I said, option "B" is how I see it, but it's option "A" that (because of others) this story has any personal relevance in my life.
2007-11-07 17:48:30 · answer #1 · answered by Rukh 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The correct answer is "A."
To accept any other answer is to open the door from the "git go" about a whole range of biblical truths and whether they are metaphorical or literal... including the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ!
Better to accept it all as literal and true (except for the OBVIOUS metaphors, e.g., Exodus 19:4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself," when we know that eagles wings is a metaphor for the "soaring, gliding ease" with which God was able to deliver them from what was then the mightiest nation on earth) than to open the door or relativism and self-interpretation.
2007-11-07 16:52:17 · answer #2 · answered by he_returns_soon 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A.
The ages old earth was prepared ages to Adam and Eve, 6073 years ago,
Moses was at Exodus 3560 years ago, Daniel was at Babylon 2613 years ago, and Jesus #62 son from Adam in genealogy of Matt.1:1-17; in Rome world Empire #6, 2007 years ago, bible in circulation in the world 396 years.
2007-11-07 15:48:47 · answer #3 · answered by jeni 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
When I was a Catholic, I always thought of the A&E story as metaphorical. I never really considered how that would impact the concept of "original sin" until very recently, though.
2007-11-07 15:37:42 · answer #4 · answered by ZER0 C00L ••AM••VT•• 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A is the correct one and why? Because it is the inspired word of God who made us. Jesus referred to the Old Testement often when he spoke and never once did he say, this is a metaphor...he spoke of the scriptures as face...don't you think God would know more than the vessels he made, what was true?
2007-11-07 15:45:00 · answer #5 · answered by dreamdress2 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
B. People forget the power of metaphor in myth. There are lessons in mythology, people forget that. These creation stories should be treasured for what they are.
2007-11-07 15:44:49 · answer #6 · answered by Shawn B 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I believe it literally happened, as described in the Genesis account...and yet it is also metaphorical. It has both historical and present value. Only God could do such a marvelous and profound thing.
2007-11-07 15:39:39 · answer #7 · answered by whitehorse456 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋
B makes no since in Christianity because we are far from a paradise..in fact some of use are born with diseases and deformaties. A is the best bet.
2007-11-07 15:38:14 · answer #8 · answered by h nitrogen 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Agree with Shaolt20
2007-11-07 15:45:56 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
While I am not a christian, B sure makes a hell of a lot more sense.
Like most stories in judeo-christian faith, the stories are much better when not taken literally and have a much more powerful message.
2007-11-07 15:37:16 · answer #10 · answered by Gawdless Heathen 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋