furches

Most hopefully know I don't like the political or religious debate, and am hoping this don't turn into one.

In reading another thread, in part about suffering, I also read a comment about Adam and Eve that got me to thinking.

I am not wanting to discuss the reality of Adam and Eve as that would lead to a ton of debate, and become primarily a religious debate of he said, she said, and we have all gone there before. Instead, I was thinking, even if one was to take the position that the story of Adam and Eve was not real, is there benefits that we can learn regarding a metaphorical perspective of the story.

I tend to think there is, for example, the concept that we are all responsible for our decisions, and that ultimately, good and bad can come about from those decisions. Also the reality that even if one does believe in a God, and believe in evil, wrong or terrible events, then ultimately we as individuals have some responsibility to bear for our actions.

Open to thought on this as I am trying to learn and continue to develop my own thoughts, maybe you can help. Appreciated if you do.

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Ground&Pound

Are you saying "we" as individuals bear responsibility or "we" as mankind?

If you mean "we" as individuals, I would question why people are born with horrible afflictions.

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arm-spin

The Adam and Eve story actually shows (to me) several layers of responsibility for evil. There is, as Furches says, the individual;s responsibility, shown by Adam and Eve's deliberate choice to disobey. . The Adam and Eve story also shows corporate responsiblility, as the actions of two people profoundly affect others (all of mankind). According to New Testament interpretation the Adam and Eve story shows that all mankind have the tendancy, inhereted from the first people, to do evil things. The story of Adam and Eve has the tempter- an outside force trying to cause people to do evil. Lots of responsiblity for wrongdoing all around.

Spider

It's my belief that almost all of the stories in the Bible are meant to be taken metaphorically to teach life lessons and explain the world condition.

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_SL_

I am not sure bad luck (being born w/ different handicaps) means that we are not responsible for the consequences of certain actions.

I would think that we are responsible some of our actions, but am not sure how well my thoughts are illustrated by the story (admittedly, I am not too familiar w/ it). But, from my understanding, it is not clear that Adam and Eve knew what the consequences of their actions would be (meaning that they did not have good reason to believe that God would divy out the punishments that he did). Because Adam and Eve were not aware about these particulars, and were not negligent (in my understanding), I do not think it is the best example of being morally responsible for future things b/c they are not all that blameworthy in my opinion. I do not think it would be much better example than a case where a child who knows she is doing something wrong by playing in the family car ends up crashing it. Yes, she is responsible, but not knowing how serious the consequences of her actions would be make the situation one in which she is not very blameworthy.

Spider

One could find many messages in the story of Adam and Eve:

Avoid temptation (the classic).

Respect authority and follow the rules.

Think for yourself and don't let others influence you to do what you know is wrong.

You never know how good you have it until it's taken away.

Evil is hiding everywhere, even in the least likely places.

Etc.

Any story can lead to many different interpretations. This is why it is so important that religious leaders explain the Bible in ways that are beneficial to society rather than in ways that turn people against one another.

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arm-spin

Any story can lead to many different interpretations. This is why it is so important that religious leaders explain the Bible in ways that are beneficial to society rather than in ways that turn people against one another.[/quote]


Amen Brother!

Tight-Waist

To answer the question, of course there are lessons there. That
s why it was put there in the first place. I agree with Spider that its metaphorical, but the entire book is about lessons and this one is no different.

My question to others is ...What are the metaphorical lessons of Eve being formed from Adam's rib?

Spider

The first time a man used his bone for the benefit of a woman.

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Tight-Waist

*spew*

Thats good Spider!