Genesis of Sin

[nablaise]

In Genesis, we normally consider that sin entered humanity through Adam and Eve. This often is also taken to mean visible creation, but…

The Serpent seem to have sinned before Adam and Eve. And the serpent is described as one of the animals that God had made, so this particular serpent whatever it means, it must be a physical creature which tempted directly Eve.

And other fact. Looking deeply in the conversation between Eve and the serpent, I have just noticed something I had not noticed before.
Here they are talking about the Law of God. Eve is talking about matters of life and death. Yet, the writter did not seem to attempt to explain to us why Eve didn’t take things seriously enough to ask her husband so they can talk about these serious things together.

It seems to me that may be a menace was rampant even before the serpent, it seem like Adam and Eve had an issue already. I mean, as spouse who truly share everything, wouldn’t Eve have asked her husband’s opinion before risking death?

What is your comment about this terrible silence between Adam and Eve, while Eve is discussing matters of such seriousness?

Thanks and God bless

 

[Verbum]

Hi Nablaise,

The story of the fall is schematic. It’s not a blow by blow account. It is there to show that our first parents sinned by aspiring to be equal to God.

Verbum

 

[Nita]

Here they are talking about the Law of God. Eve is talking about matters of life and death. Yet, the writter did not seem to attempt to explain to us why Eve didn’t take things seriously enough to ask her husband so they can talk about these serious things together.

It seems to me that may be a menace was rampant even before the serpent, it seem like Adam and Eve had an issue already. I mean, as spouse who truly share everything, wouldn’t Eve have asked her husband’s opinion before risking death?

What is your comment about this terrible silence between Adam and Eve, while Eve is discussing matters of such seriousness?

It appears the female gender was more impulsive than the male gender even before the fall.

Most interpretations I’ve read assume both Adam and Eve were present when the serpent tempted Eve. Thus, Adam would have heard and observed everything. As head of the human race and appointed by God to be the “keeper” of the garden (cf. Gen 2:15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.), one wonders why Adam didn’t immediately intervene when he noticed Eve was being persuaded by the serpent — discussion or no discussion.

Nita

 

[nablaise]

Hi Nablaise,

The story of the fall is schematic. It’s not a blow by blow account. It is there to show that our first parents sinned by aspiring to be equal to God.

Verbum

Yes, this is the most important lesson to learn. That our first parent desobeyed God.
However; I think it could be a matter of growth in faith trying to seek why the author used the specific symbols, why not a dog for example or a bird, but a serpent? I think there is a reason particular symbols were used. So it is a healty exercise to try to muse about that

God bless

 

[patrick457]

Yes, this is the most important lesson to learn. That our first parent desobeyed God.
However; I think it could be a matter of growth in faith trying to seek why the author used the specific symbols, why not a dog for example or a bird, but a serpent? I think there is a reason particular symbols were used. So it is a healty exercise to try to muse about that

God bless

I guess it was due to the association of serpents with craftiness and deceit. Serpents have forked tongues, which seems to have represented the disunity of deceitful speech. In, addition, some qualities of serpents provided other symbolisms, such as their poison and their lidless eyes (representing a wisdom of sorts).

Perhaps the reason why a serpent is used is because serpents are wise and crafty in ancient Near Eastern thought? The serpent hoodwinked both Man and Woman into eating from the Tree; a smooth-talking liar, it is.