Questions About a Metaphorical Reading of Genesis

[KleinerApfel]

That's definitely something I've never heard mentioned. Could you maybe post a bit of the language analysis, or a link to it, if you have one? I'd be interested in reading that.

Sorry I don't remember where I got that (understanding of the word used for "knowledge"), but have been taught it from more than one source. I'll look into it and get back to you if pos.

Blessings, Susana

 

[KleinerApfel]

Breanainn, I found some info. on the full meaning of "knowledge" in OT language:

Baker's Evangelical Dictionary
of Biblical Theology

Know, Knowledge
The Old Testament. The Hebrew root yada [[;d"y], translated "know"/"knowledge, " appears almost 950 times in the Hebrew Bible. It has a wider sweep than our English word "know, " including perceiving, learning, understanding, willing, performing, and experiencing. To know is not to be intellectually informed about some abstract principle, but to apprehend and experience reality. Knowledge is not the possession of information, but rather its exercise or actualization.

Thus, biblically to know God is not to know about him in an abstract and impersonal manner, but rather to enter into his saving actions (Micah 6:5). To know God is not to struggle philosophically with his eternal essence, but rather to recognize and accept his claims. It is not some mystical contemplation, but dutiful obedience.

In the doing of justice and righteousness, Josiah is said to have known God (Jer 22:15-16). True knowledge of God involves obeying the stipulations of his covenant. It is expressed in living conformity to his will. The opposite of knowledge is not ignorance, but rebellion (Jer 22:11-14).

Found at:

http://bible.crosswalk.com/Dictionaries/BakersEvangelicalDictionary/

This is a small part of what is there, but seemed the most relevant to the matter under discussion.

Blessings, Susana

 

[gluadys]

How do we know that being created in the image of God gave Adam and Eve discernment of right from wrong?QUOTE]

From what we know of our Lord as the righteous judge, we can confidently say that He would not issue a "life or death" command to a being unable to understand the concept of obedience, right and wrong actions.

Blessings, Susana

Why not? I would issue a "life or death" command (such as "don't chase a ball into the street") to my children long before they could understand the concept of obedience and right or wrong actions. I expect God is at least as conscientious a parent as I am.

 

[KleinerApfel]

Adam and Eve were created as fully formed adults, so they would have all the attributes of adulthood, including moral sense.

BTW I think you are underestimating a child's understanding of right and wrong. It is not fully developed at a young age, but the concept is there, as they respond to a parent's guidance.

Blessings, Susana

 

[gluadys]

Adam and Eve were created as fully formed adults, so they would have all the attributes of adulthood, including moral sense.

BTW I think you are underestimating a child's understanding of right and wrong. It is not fully developed at a young age, but the concept is there, as they respond to a parent's guidance.

Blessings, Susana

Children may respond to a parent's guidance and they may not. Assuming that you, like myself, are a mother, you know this is the case. And you know that when your 2 year old balks at responding to your guidance,it is not a matter of being wilfully disobedient in the sense of understanding it is "wrong" to say "no". What the toddler understands is that some behaviour makes mummy angry, not that it has moral implications.

As for Adam and Eve, you are again presuming that your interpretation of the text accords with what is actually written. The bible tells us nothing of the state of their moral sense.

And traditional, orthodox Christian interpretations by such giants of theology as Augustine and Calvin have held that prior to the Fall Adam and Eve, although physically adult, were living in a state of moral innocence, not dissimilar from that of children.