Is Genesis 2: 15-17 an explanation of Original Sin?

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Question from previous page-- What are God’s actions in the first two chapters of Genesis?

Here is a link to the Bible.
usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/index.cfm

We are studying the first three chapters of Genesis. In particular, this thread asks – Is Genesis 2: 15-17 an explanation of Original Sin?
Genesis, chapter 2
15
The LORD God then took the man and settled him in the garden of Eden, to cultivate and care for it.h
16
The LORD God gave the man this order: You are free to eat from any of the trees of the garden*(“http://www.usccb.org/bible/genesis/2#01002016-i”)
17
except the tree of knowledge of good and evil. From that tree you shall not eat; when you eat from it you shall die.* j

Verse 15 tells us that God has a loving relationship with Adam. This is seen in God’s action of settling Adam in a beautiful Garden.
Genesis, chapter 2
9*
Out of the ground the LORD God made grow every tree that was delightful to look at and good for food, with the tree of life in the middle of the garden and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.f

Original Sin is basically a shattering of God’s original friendship relationship with Adam. Common sense says that it is essential to understand this relationship. This is why we need to look for God’s actions. Were God’s previous actions good for Adam? If so, how would they be connected to Original Sin? (CCC 355-357)
Where is the verse where Adam speaks of a loving relationship toward God? No one knows what Adam actually thought of God. Eve is the one who refers to God when speaking to the fallen angel.
I suppose it is not important.

It seems what God was doing for them was all good, a little paradise on earth which we all long for, the only thing is God putting the temptation of the tree in the garden. God knew what choice would be made, but still allowed it to be made, and here we are.
 
Where is the verse where Adam speaks of a loving relationship toward God? No one knows what Adam actually thought of God. Eve is the one who refers to God when speaking to the fallen angel.
I suppose it is not important.

It seems what God was doing for them was all good, a little paradise on earth which we all long for, the only thing is God putting the temptation of the tree in the garden. God knew what choice would be made, but still allowed it to be made, and here we are.
Perhaps I have not been clear. :o

Question from previous page – What are God’s actions in the first two chapters of Genesis?

To clarify. I am asking for God’s actions. I did not ask for “where Adam speaks of a loving relationship toward God.”

To clarify. I am looking for the actual Genesis verses which pertain to God’s actions. “a little paradise on earth” is someone’s interpretation. “putting the temptation of the tree in the garden” is confusing.
Genesis, chapter 2 usccb.org/bible/genesis/2
15
The LORD God then took the man and settled him in the garden of Eden, to cultivate and care for it.h
16
The LORD God gave the man this order: You are free to eat from any of the trees of the garden*(“http://www.usccb.org/bible/genesis/2#01002016-i”)
17
except the tree of knowledge of good and evil. From that tree you shall not eat; when you eat from it you shall die.* j

God does not say “The Garden is where I put a temptation.” To unravel the truth, check out what Satan says in chapter 3.

Satan describes his temptation which should not be confused with God naming a particular tree.
Genesis, chapter 3 usccb.org/bible/genesis/3
4
But the snake said to the woman: “You certainly will not die!**(“http://www.usccb.org/bible/genesis/3#01003004-b”) 5God knows well that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods, who know* good and evil.”

Another perspective is CCC 396 with cross-references CCC 1730; CCC 311; CCC 301.
usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catechism/catechism-of-the-catholic-church/

scborromeo.org/ccc.htm
 
Perhaps I have not been clear. :o

Question from previous page – What are God’s actions in the first two chapters of Genesis?

To clarify. I am asking for God’s actions. I did not ask for “where Adam speaks of a loving relationship toward God.”

To clarify. I am looking for the actual Genesis verses which pertain to God’s actions. “a little paradise on earth” is someone’s interpretation. “putting the temptation of the tree in the garden” is confusing.
Genesis, chapter 2 usccb.org/bible/genesis/2
15
The LORD God then took the man and settled him in the garden of Eden, to cultivate and care for it.h
16
The LORD God gave the man this order: You are free to eat from any of the trees of the garden*(“http://www.usccb.org/bible/genesis/2#01002016-i”)
17
except the tree of knowledge of good and evil. From that tree you shall not eat; when you eat from it you shall die.* j

God does not say “The Garden is where I put a temptation.” To unravel the truth, check out what Satan says in chapter 3.

Satan describes his temptation which should not be confused with God naming a particular tree.
Genesis, chapter 3 usccb.org/bible/genesis/3
4
But the snake said to the woman: “You certainly will not die!**(“http://www.usccb.org/bible/genesis/3#01003004-b”) 5God knows well that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods, who know* good and evil.”

Another perspective is CCC 396 with cross-references CCC 1730; CCC 311; CCC 301.
usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catechism/catechism-of-the-catholic-church/

scborromeo.org/ccc.htm
They possessed the preternatural gifts of:

impassibility (freedom from pain)
immortality (freedom from death)
integrity (freedom from concupiscence, or disordered
desires)
infused knowledge (freedom from ignorance in matters
essential for happiness)
They were not inclined to do evil; their understanding and reason were not darkened by pride or lust; they had a perfect knowledge of the moral law; they did not experience any opposition between the spirit and the body; and all of the parts of the soul existed in a state of order and harmony in relation to one another. The material world was a paradise that supported human life; work was a source of pleasure and accomplishment; and all of the human faculties were able to function and flourish to their fullest potential.

catholic.com/magazine/articles/before-sin

This website we visit says it was a paradise, I don’t see how it could have been anything else.

The tree was in the garden which God created, Satan didn’t put it there, Satan was only alive because God allowed him to live.And yes it was not God who tempted them.

I know you did not ask what Adam thought about God, I asked because I thought that to understand a loving relationship it would have to be twofold. If we can see God’s love in what he created for Adam, why do we not see love from Adam for God.

But sorry to “step on your toes” and derail off into another direction.
 
I wonder if all the misunderstandings of Original Sin occur because some people no longer consider the first three chapters of Genesis as being important in modern life.
I think that is a very valid insight:thumbsup:

Not only Original sin; BUT all sin finds it difficult in an age where urr Government Legislates immorality supported by nearly HALF of all self-proclaimed Catholics:eek::blush; and public domain idolizes it.:

Easter Blessings,

PJM
 
I wonder if all the misunderstandings of Original Sin occur because some people no longer consider the first three chapters of Genesis as being important in modern life.
Genesis presents not the religious vision of the patriarchs (whose deeds it recounts) but the religious visions of the era of its final composition. Taking the accidents of time and place away, the creation story in Genesis tells us about the nature of time, reaching its climax in the Sabbath. The text tells us about the nature of the world, reaching its perfection in God’s pleasure with what God had created, God’s blessing and sanctifying creation. It also tells us about the character of humankind, man and women, perfect in God’s image, like God, but tragically flawed. Remembering that the substance of the text tells us about a timeless God, we may treat as peripheral incidentals that are peculiar to the time of composition if doing so unveils the central themes: the enduring attributes of God and His plan for humanity.
 
Genesis presents not the religious vision of the patriarchs (whose deeds it recounts) but the religious visions of the era of its final composition. Taking the accidents of time and place away, the creation story in Genesis tells us about the nature of time, reaching its climax in the Sabbath. The text tells us about the nature of the world, reaching its perfection in God’s pleasure with what God had created, God’s blessing and sanctifying creation. It also tells us about the character of humankind, man and women, perfect in God’s image, like God, but tragically flawed. Remembering that the substance of the text tells us about a timeless God, we may treat as peripheral incidentals that are peculiar to the time of composition if doing so unveils the central themes: the enduring attributes of God and His plan for humanity.
Briefly. This thread specifically refers to Genesis 2: 15-17. I am familiar with some information that is similar to your post. Thank you.

However,
I am asking for chapter and verse specifically in the first three chapters of Genesis. I keep asking for God’s actions in the verses of the first two chapters of Genesis because they are essential context for Genesis 2: 15-17. When we deal with Catholic doctrines per se, it is not advisable to cherry pick.
 
They possessed the preternatural gifts of:

impassibility (freedom from pain)
immortality (freedom from death)
integrity (freedom from concupiscence, or disordered
desires)
infused knowledge (freedom from ignorance in matters
essential for happiness)
They were not inclined to do evil; their understanding and reason were not darkened by pride or lust; they had a perfect knowledge of the moral law; they did not experience any opposition between the spirit and the body; and all of the parts of the soul existed in a state of order and harmony in relation to one another. The material world was a paradise that supported human life; work was a source of pleasure and accomplishment; and all of the human faculties were able to function and flourish to their fullest potential.

catholic.com/magazine/articles/before-sin

This website we visit says it was a paradise, I don’t see how it could have been anything else.

The tree was in the garden which God created, Satan didn’t put it there, Satan was only alive because God allowed him to live.And yes it was not God who tempted them.

I know you did not ask what Adam thought about God, I asked because I thought that to understand a loving relationship it would have to be twofold. If we can see God’s love in what he created for Adam, why do we not see love from Adam for God.

But sorry to “step on your toes” and derail off into another direction.
It would be interesting if anyone spotted the action of God in reference to this interesting sentence from an old article in post 23.

“The material world was a paradise that supported human life; work was a source of pleasure and accomplishment; and all of the human faculties were able to function and flourish to their fullest potential.”
God’s action in creating the material world is expressed in Genesis 1: 1-25.
However,
only non-human animals are in Genesis 1: 1-25. Therefore, the material world is not the location for Genesis 2: 15-17.
 
I think that is a very valid insight:thumbsup:

Not only Original sin; BUT all sin finds it difficult in an age where urr Government Legislates immorality [supported by nearly HALF of all self-proclaimed Catholics:eek::blush; and public domain idolizes it.:

Easter Blessings,

PJM
Yes. There have been numerous Easter Blessings. Thank you.

Regarding “all sin”. “After that first sin, the world is virtually inundated by sin.” (CCC 401) When we understand Genesis 2: 15-17, we will have a better understanding of the “why.” (Genesis 3: 1-11; CCC 399; CCC 405)
[/quote]
 
Sometimes I think that the author of the first three chapters of Genesis is a lot smarter than people think.

When the story about the material world is finished, the author of the first three Genesis chapters shifts immediately to the spiritual world. (Genesis 1: 26; CCC 343; CCC 355) It is precisely this shift which presents to us the first and greatest action of God within these three chapters.
Genesis, chapter 1, usccb.org/bible/genesis/1

27
God created mankind in His image;
in the image of God He created them;
male and female* He created them.

Interesting observation –
It is not only Adam who is created in the image of God, it is all of us descendants of Adam who are created in the image of God. This is why the human person is worthy of profound respect, including the gardener Adam.
Genesis, chapter 2, usccb.org/bible/genesis/2

15
The LORD God then took the man and settled him in the garden of Eden, to cultivate and care for it.h
 
Question from previous page-- What are God’s actions in the first two chapters of Genesis?

Here is a link to the Bible.
usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/index.cfm

We are studying the first three chapters of Genesis. In particular, this thread asks – Is Genesis 2: 15-17 an explanation of Original Sin?
Genesis, chapter 2
15
The LORD God then took the man and settled him in the garden of Eden, to cultivate and care for it.h
16
The LORD God gave the man this order: You are free to eat from any of the trees of the garden*(“http://www.usccb.org/bible/genesis/2#01002016-i”)
17
except the tree of knowledge of good and evil. From that tree you shall not eat; when you eat from it you shall die.* j

Verse 15 tells us that God has a loving relationship with Adam. This is seen in God’s action of settling Adam in a beautiful Garden.
Genesis, chapter 2
9*
Out of the ground the LORD God made grow every tree that was delightful to look at and good for food, with the tree of life in the middle of the garden and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.f

Original Sin is basically a shattering of God’s original friendship relationship with Adam. Common sense says that it is essential to understand this relationship. This is why we need to look for God’s actions. Were God’s previous actions good for Adam? If so, how would they be connected to Original Sin? (CCC 355-357)
May I attempt to answer your last [and great] question:)

Original sin was NOT simply eating an “apple” from a tree.

It’s WHAT that simple act signified that is the root of Original sin [which BTW] was NOT in the sense we understand the term “original”; THEE “original” sin. It actually was the same sin Lucifer [Satan] committed.

The existence created for Adam was Perfect; meaning that they had ZERRO actual needs; and darn few “wants” as well. Every conceivable “NEED” was taken care for them by God’s Divine Providence.

The ONLY thing they lacked was what tempted Satan [successfully] so Satan used that same “want” [NOT -Need], on Adam and Eve. That “WANT” was to actually be GOD:eek:

Genesis 3: 1-5

1] Now the serpent was more subtle than any of the beasts of the earth which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman: Why hath God commanded you, that you should not eat of every tree of paradise? [2] And the woman answered him, saying: Of the fruit of the trees that are in paradise we do eat: [3] But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of paradise, God hath commanded us that we should not eat; and that we should not touch it, lest perhaps we die. [4] And the serpent said to the woman: No, you shall not die the death. [5] For God doth know that in what day soever you shall eat thereof, your eyes shall be opened: and you shall be as Gods, knowing good and evil.

And that my friends is why the consequences for their EVIL choice has manifested such a variety and depth of consequences for humanity.:o

Easter Blessings all,

Patrick
 
May I attempt to answer your last [and great] question:)

Original sin was NOT simply eating an “apple” from a tree.

It’s WHAT that simple act signified that is the root of Original sin [which BTW] was NOT in the sense we understand the term “original”; THEE “original” sin. It actually was the same sin Lucifer [Satan] committed.

The existence created for Adam was Perfect; meaning that they had ZERRO actual needs; and darn few “wants” as well. Every conceivable “NEED” was taken care for them by God’s Divine Providence.

The ONLY thing they lacked was what tempted Satan [successfully] so Satan used that same “want” [NOT -Need], on Adam and Eve. That “WANT” was to actually be GOD:eek:

Genesis 3: 1-5

1] Now the serpent was more subtle than any of the beasts of the earth which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman: Why hath God commanded you, that you should not eat of every tree of paradise? [2] And the woman answered him, saying: Of the fruit of the trees that are in paradise we do eat: [3] But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of paradise, God hath commanded us that we should not eat; and that we should not touch it, lest perhaps we die. [4] And the serpent said to the woman: No, you shall not die the death. [5] For God doth know that in what day soever you shall eat thereof, your eyes shall be opened: and you shall be as Gods, knowing good and evil.

And that my friends is why the consequences for their EVIL choice has manifested such a variety and depth of consequences for humanity.:o

Easter Blessings all,

Patrick
Thank you.

Please, what did that “simple act” actually signify in terms of humanity? Angels are spiritual beings. Humans are spiritual and material.

It is my observation that the situation of Satan was different. Some of the created spirits known as angels irrevocably rejected God and His reign. (CCC 392) It is the irrevocable character that makes the angels’ sin unforgiveable. (CCC 393)

After the Original Sin, God did not abandon humankind. Genesis 3: 15 “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers;
They will strike at your head, while you strike at their heel.* g
Genesis 3: 15 is known as the *Protoevangelium. *(CCC 410)

Usually, Genesis 2: 17 "except the tree of knowledge of good and evil. From that tree you shall not eat; when you eat from it you shall die.* j "
is interpreted as both spiritual death and material death. However, there is also a “relational death”, that is, the death of the original friendship relationship between Adam and his Creator God. It is the “death” of this relationship between God and man that serves as another interpretation of Genesis 2: 17.

The death of humanity’s relationship with Divinity is so important that the universal Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition issues this strong warning.
CCC 389, last sentence
“The Church, which has the mind of Christ, knows very well that we cannot tamper with the revelation of original sin without undermining the mystery of Christ.”
 
…Original Sin is basically a shattering of God’s original friendship relationship with Adam.
Two questions on Original Sin (not doubts):

The first question on Augustine’s doctrine of Original Sin is one of coherence. There are three moments that Augustine must explain: What is human nature before the Fall, during the Fall, and subsequent to the Fall? He explains only two. Augustine tells us that human nature changed as a result of the Fall, was corrupted by it, and is now inclined to sin. But what was the nature during the Fall? It seems to me that human nature must have been already inclined to sin during the Fall. If corruption is the effect of the Fall, the Original Sin, then Augustine’s doctrine must hold that sin is both the cause and the effect of our fallen nature; but an effect cannot be its own cause. Therefore, the corruption preceded the sin. If the corrupted nature was antecedent, incident and subsequent to the Fall, then human nature did not change.

The second question involves the transmission of the Original Sin. "It is a sin which will be transmitted by propagation to all mankind, that is, by the transmission of a human nature deprived of original holiness and justice (CCC 404). Does God, therefore, infuse wounded souls as our nature is in our being and our being is animated by our souls. The mystery remains.
 
May I attempt to answer your last [and great] question:)

Original sin was NOT simply eating an “apple” from a tree.

It’s WHAT that simple act signified that is the root of Original sin [which BTW] was NOT in the sense we understand the term “original”; THEE “original” sin. It actually was the same sin Lucifer [Satan] committed.

The existence created for Adam was Perfect; meaning that they had ZERRO actual needs; and darn few “wants” as well. Every conceivable “NEED” was taken care for them by God’s Divine Providence.

The ONLY thing they lacked was what tempted Satan [successfully] so Satan used that same “want” [NOT -Need], on Adam and Eve. That “WANT” was to actually be GOD:eek:

Genesis 3: 1-5

1] Now the serpent was more subtle than any of the beasts of the earth which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman: Why hath God commanded you, that you should not eat of every tree of paradise? [2] And the woman answered him, saying: Of the fruit of the trees that are in paradise we do eat: [3] But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of paradise, God hath commanded us that we should not eat; and that we should not touch it, lest perhaps we die. [4] And the serpent said to the woman: No, you shall not die the death. [5] For God doth know that in what day soever you shall eat thereof, your eyes shall be opened: and you shall be as Gods, knowing good and evil.

And that my friends is why the consequences for their EVIL choice has manifested such a variety and depth of consequences for humanity.:o

Easter Blessings all,

Patrick
I would like to comment on
“The existence created for Adam was Perfect; meaning that they had ZERRO actual needs; and darn few “wants” as well. Every conceivable “NEED” was taken care for them by God’s Divine Providence.”

and briefly on
“The ONLY thing they lacked was what tempted Satan [successfully] so Satan used that same “want” [NOT -Need], on Adam and Eve. That “WANT” was to actually be GOD:eek:

However, I am wanted elsewhere.
 
Two questions on Original Sin (not doubts):

The first question on Augustine’s doctrine of Original Sin is one of coherence. There are three moments that Augustine must explain: What is human nature before the Fall, during the Fall, and subsequent to the Fall? He explains only two. Augustine tells us that human nature changed as a result of the Fall, was corrupted by it, and is now inclined to sin. But what was the nature during the Fall? It seems to me that human nature must have been already inclined to sin during the Fall. If corruption is the effect of the Fall, the Original Sin, then Augustine’s doctrine must hold that sin is both the cause and the effect of our fallen nature; but an effect cannot be its own cause. Therefore, the corruption preceded the sin. If the corrupted nature was antecedent, incident and subsequent to the Fall, then human nature did not change.

The second question involves the transmission of the Original Sin. "It is a sin which will be transmitted by propagation to all mankind, that is, by the transmission of a human nature deprived of original holiness and justice (CCC 404). Does God, therefore, infuse wounded souls as our nature is in our being and our being is animated by our souls. The mystery remains.
Excellent questions to answer.

Briefly, even if St. Augustine used the “word” corruption, that concept was not made a Catholic doctrine.

From CCC 405
**405 **Although it is proper to each individual, original sin does not have the character of a personal fault in any of Adam’s descendants. It is a deprivation of original holiness and justice, but human nature has not been totally corrupted: it is wounded in the natural powers proper to it; …"

Also read the interesting information in the small print paragraph 406. For an explanation of small print, read CCC 20-21.

The issue of Adam’s human nature is often questioned. The difficulty is that human nature is an unique unification of both the material and spiritual. It is what it is and it continues to be as it is.

My apology. I would like to answer your valid comments. However, I am needed elsewhere.
 
Thank you.

Please, what did that “simple act” actually signify in terms of humanity? Angels are spiritual beings. Humans are spiritual and material.
Dear friend,

Have you ever pondered how Gen 1:26-27 are possible? How it is manifested?

Gen 1: 26-27
[26] And he said: Let us make man to our image and likeness: and let him have dominion over the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the air, and the beasts, and the whole earth, and every creeping creature that moveth upon the earth. [27] And God created man to his own image: to the image of God he created him: male and female he created them

The in John 4: 23-24 we discover
[23] But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true adorers shall adore the Father in spirit and in truth. For the Father also seeketh such to adore him. [24] **God is a spirit; **and they that adore him, must adore him in spirit and in truth.

So how does corporal humanity emulate a "Spirit God?"

In all of the Universe with it BILLIONS of stars, planets & galaxies only one; ONLY planet earth can be proven to sustain the life forms we know of.

Among the hundreds of millions of :living things" on planet earth; only One, only humanity can rationalize, & choose to love or hate.

In order to be able to do these things requires a

MIND [not meaning a brain]

a INTELLECT [not meaning one’s I.Q.]

A Freewill

Each of which is attached permanently to every human Soul.

This package of exclusive gifts from God. like God are Spiritual realities. And Like God they are also immortal. Should one doubt this, try to quantify your “freewill.” Only a foolish person would attempt to deny its existence. So what is its shape, color, & weight? Can’t be done because they ARE “Spiritual realities” as is our God.

The fact that man is both corporal and spiritual in comparison to angels seems to ME to be mute. Upon man’s death his body returns to dust: Gen 3:19, so LIKE Angels it is our Spiritual Reality that is judged and will spend Eternity [until the final Judgment] in hell or in heaven.
It is my observation that the situation of Satan was different. Some of the created spirits known as angels irrevocably rejected God and His reign. (CCC 392) It is the irrevocable character that makes the angels’ sin unforgiveable. (CCC 393)
THANKS for the CCC references.🙂 The difference lies in the THEN irrevocably of the SAME sin. God in infinate Mercy permits his human creations to be forgiven for ALL sins, short of actual denial of God. Nevertheless, the consequences of this action by A & E has had time- lasting effects. Death, illness, suffering all stem from A & E 's bad choice…
After the Original Sin, God did not abandon humankind. Genesis 3: 15 “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers;
They will strike at your head, while you strike at their heel.* g
Genesis 3: 15 is known as the *Protoevangelium. *(CCC 410)

Usually, Genesis 2: 17 "except the tree of knowledge of good and evil. From that tree you shall not eat; when you eat from it you shall die.* j "
is interpreted as both spiritual death and material death. However, there is also a “relational death”, that is, the death of the original friendship relationship between Adam and his Creator God. It is the “death” of this relationship between God and man that serves as another interpretation of Genesis 2: 17.
ABANDON? NO! Justly inflict death, illness, suffering BOTH as repayment AND as ongoing opportunity to PROVE & aud reprove our fidelity, our faithfulness, & our Love.
Isiah 43: 7 & 21

I We agree with the “relationship death” 1 John 5: 16-17. Which still exit until the end-times.

The death of humanity’s relationship with Divinity is so important that the universal Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition issues this strong warning.
CCC 389, last sentence
“The Church, which has the mind of Christ, knows very well that we cannot tamper with the revelation of original sin without undermining the mystery of Christ.”

If BY explaining it, you mean to imply [or state?] that I am “tampering” with it; I respectfully disagree.🤷

That certainly was not my intent.

Easter Blessings

Patrick
 
So far, no one has answered the question in post 7 – “What are God’s actions in the first two chapters of Genesis?” Therefore, I think it is a tad early to give a “no” to the question – “Is Genesis 2: 15-17 an explanation of Original Sin?” Especially when I did not use the word “total.”

While I am the Queen of cherry picking, please note that I am insisting on context for Genesis 2: 15-17.

Perhaps you would prefer jumping right into verses 15-17 and comment about the relationship between God and Adam. That original relationship is basic to understanding the depth of Original Sin. (CCC 396, cross-references in margin, CCC 1730, 311, 301)
From Genesis 1-2:
  • God created: light, firmament, dry ground, sun, moon, and stars, plant, herb, springs, paradise with the trees of eternal life and tree of knowledge of good and evil, Adam.
  • God put Adam in paradise to tend it, and commanded not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
  • God created animals and brought them to Adam to name them.
  • God put Adam to sleep and from him made Eve, another one to help tend paradise.
 
No need to answer. That is why we call the doctrine of Original sin a mystery.
The real mystery is God’s perfection in the beginning of Genesis.

Tomorrow, I have the privilege of participating in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. We profess our Creed. “I believe in one God, the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.” Invisible! I wonder what would happen if I politely yelled – "Invisible? Stop right there. Let’s discuss invisible. We need to discuss our invisible spiritual soul. Like Augustine, our key issue is still the “nature” of human nature. (CCC 396; CCC 1730; CCC 311; CCC 301)
**CCC 406 **The Church’s teaching on the transmission of original sin was articulated more precisely in the fifth century, especially under the impulse of St. Augustine’s reflections against Pelagianism, and in the sixteenth century, in opposition to the Protestant Reformation. Pelagius held that man could, by the natural power of free will and without the necessary help of God’s grace, lead a morally good life; he thus reduced the influence of Adam’s fault to bad example. The first Protestant reformers, on the contrary, taught that original sin has radically perverted man and destroyed his freedom; they identified the sin inherited by each man with the tendency to evil (concupiscentia), which would be insurmountable. The Church pronounced on the meaning of the data of Revelation on original sin especially at the second Council of Orange (529) and at the Council of Trent (1546).

CCC 406 says if Original Sin radically perverted, that is, totally corrupted our human nature, that would destroy human’s spiritual freedom to choose God.

The thing we need to remember is that not every thought of the Early Church Fathers and the great saints automatically became a Catholic Doctrine. The protocol of the visible Catholic Church on earth examines everything that had been written or spoken in homilies in preparation for a major Church council. (CCC Glossary, Council, Ecumenical, page 873) The Holy Spirit guides the participants to the truth. (chapter 14, Gospel of John)
**CCC 66 **“The Christian economy, therefore, since it is the new and definitive Covenant, will never pass away; and no new public revelation is to be expected before the glorious manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Yet even if Revelation is already complete, it has not been made completely explicit; it remains for Christian faith gradually to grasp its full significance over the course of the centuries.

CCC 66 has heavy information. Because my travel plans changed slightly, there was the thought that we first need basic understanding as to how the Catholic Church operates. As a high school student learning early Church history, I loved the battles over what is Divine Revelation. To me, each battle enabled more truths to come to light. Even great saints are not totally perfect in their thinking. They are great saints because they yielded to the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.

I am not totally sure I can answer the thread title’s question. Nonetheless, when I look at God’s actions, I can see God wanting Adam to be in the perfect presence of the Beatific Vision. (CCC Glossary, Beatific Vision, page 867)

Obviously God has a plan for His actions. Genesis, chapter 1. usccb.org/bible/genesis/1

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God made every kind of wild animal, every kind of tame animal, and every kind of thing that crawls on the ground. God saw that it was good.
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Then God said: Let us make* human beings in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the tame animals, all the wild animals, and all the creatures that crawl on the earth.
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God created mankind in His image;
in the image of God He created them;
male and female* He created them.
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God blessed them and God said to them: Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it.* Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all the living things that crawl on the earth.m
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God also said: See, I give you every seed-bearing plant on all the earth and every tree that has seed-bearing fruit on it to be your food;
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and to all the wild animals, all the birds of the air, and all the living creatures that crawl on the earth, I give all the green plants for food. And so it happened.
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God looked at everything He had made, and found it very good. Evening came, and morning followed—the sixth day.o
 
From Genesis 1-2:
  • God created: light, firmament, dry ground, sun, moon, and stars, plant, herb, springs, paradise with the trees of eternal life and tree of knowledge of good and evil, Adam.
  • God put Adam in paradise to tend it, and commanded not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
  • God created animals and brought them to Adam to name them.
  • God put Adam to sleep and from him made Eve, another one to help tend paradise.
Due to some issues and traveling, I will be off the computer …

Watching a mini blizzard in April has kicked in my sense of humor. I would like to suggest that the command not to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil is God’s greatest and best action in the first two chapters of Genesis.
:snowing:
 
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