The three

[Tolworth John]

I’m pointing out that your argument about free will doesn’t hold water.

In what way.

 

[ToddNotTodd]

In what way.

Your argument was:

“...for there to be a real choice, for there to be the possibility of obedience there also has to be a real possibility for disobedience.”

I showed a situation in which there was real choice without the possibility of disobedience.

 

[jayem]

The Garden of Eden story is an origin myth. All societies have such legends to explain why life is often filled with misery and suffering. And most always, the reason is disobedience to the gods. The ancient Greeks had the Pandora myth. She was given a jar (a box in later versions) and instructed never to open it. Of course she does, which releases all the troubles, pain, and vicissitudes of life into the world. But remaining in the jar, at the very bottom, is Hope. It's a nice story.

And isn't it interesting that so often in these myths, the sinful person responsible for afflicting mankind with the plagues of life is a woman?

 

[OldWiseGuy]

The Garden of Eden story is an origin myth. All societies have such legends to explain why life is often filled with misery and suffering. And most always, the reason is disobedience to the gods. The ancient Greeks had the Pandora myth. She was given a jar (a box in later versions) and instructed never to open it. Of course she does, which releases all the troubles, pain, and vicissitudes of life into the world. But remaining in the jar, at the very bottom, is Hope. It's a nice story.

And isn't it interesting that so often in these myths, the sinful person responsible for afflicting mankind with the plagues of life is a woman?

Very interesting.

The garden of Eden story explains more about humanity than any other 'tale', true or false.

 

[ActsOfTheApossibles]

I believe in GOD first and foremost. I have a question that I cant seem to stop thinking about, I've had it for many months. I hope someone can help.

Since GOD is ALMIGHTY and all seeing, knowing everything that has happened and will happen; why would GOD create the tree of knowledge of good and evil, put it in the middle of the garden of eden knowing the outcome BEFORE he created man; then generationally and eternally punish or curse man for doing what he already knew he would do? It's similar to a parent building a ring a fire then putting your toddler in the middle of it, but the ring of fire was created knowing it will burn him/her FIRST, BEFORE YOUR CHILD IS BORN.

Yes, God knew in advance of the appearance of sin, and even provided the solution in advance - Jesus Christ.

1Pe_1:20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

Even before Adam/Eve, Lucifer sinned in Heaven, so one could really begin there.

The Analogy you have given is incorrect.

There was no inherent danger (fire) in the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil". It was just a tree.

Adam was created with freedom of choice, for love requires this.

God placed two trees that Adam may choose to either obey (freely) or disobey (freely). Adam was not made an automaton.

The trees were very literal and actual trees. The tree of life was taken back, along with the Garden itself, before the flood and is seen again in Revelation, and God will retore the 'first dominion' (Micah 4:8).

 

[Tone]

Yes, God knew in advance of the appearance of sin, and even provided the solution in advance - Jesus Christ.

1Pe_1:20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

Even before Adam/Eve, Lucifer sinned in Heaven, so one could really begin there.

The Analogy you have given is incorrect.

There was no inherent danger (fire) in the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil". It was just a tree.

Adam was created with freedom of choice, for love requires this.

God placed two trees that Adam may choose to either obey (freely) or disobey (freely). Adam was not made an automaton.

The trees were very literal and actual trees. The tree of life was taken back, along with the Garden itself, before the flood and is seen again in Revelation, and God will retore the 'first dominion' (Micah 4:8).

I never thought of it like that. So you're saying that the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was drowned in the flood?

Also, I watched the movie "Ready Player One" yesterday and it occurred to me that the Eden account can be understood as a test. Other than informing and instructing them about the consequences, the Creator seemed to withdraw from them and allow them to take their course. I mean, if you were going to hand over your wonderful creation, wouldn't you test the prospective steward beforehand?

So when it comes to times of testing, I believe that He steps back and allows us to exercise our faith to the fullest...and in this, He humbles Himself and gives of His power.