Critical appraisal: How should we understand Eden?
Problem, Question, or Reconciliation Challenge
Suggested New Topic Short title: How should we understand Eden? Proposed by: Paul P, Q or RC? Question (Biblical Interpretation) Description: How should we understand the Garden of Eden? What is the significance of the two trees? What is the significance of being expelled from the Garden (Genesis 3:22-24)? Comment by proposer: This is based on the review of a video by Ron Cowie that was forwarded to me by Daphne. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYQMY6TwXVM&list=PLapIoMHXBxJ9icjxg885kQnvMro-toPZW
Criteria for Critical Appraisal
for all questions and definitions of "problems reconciling our various understandings of Scripture with the discoveries of science"
Clear Aims
Its aims are clear: terms used are clearly defined, especially if they are new or can be used in different ways.
PN: The question could be made more clear as: Was the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:22-24) the cause of the mortality that came upon them or was it God’s declaration of punishment on the man Adam?
Unbiased
It is unbiased, not presupposing any viewpoint or answer.
Respectful
It is respectful: not insulting, provocative or slanderous. If a question, it is a genuine question seeking an answer; if a problem, it is a genuine problem seeking a solution.
Focused
It has a clear focus, neither too broad nor too narrow, has a small number of relevant quotes and is free of equivocation.
- BP: It's a big question, and we'll have to be disciplined. But yes.
- PN: Several questions that skirt around the particular focus. See "Clear Aims" above for a more specific question.
Feasible
It appears able to be researched and at least partial conclusions reached beyond reasonable doubt.
Relevant
It is relevant to the task in hand, and can't be rewritten to be more directly relevant.
Important
Answers to it and the process of seeking them will be informative and useful.
Go-ahead
Going ahead at PQRC 5 How should we understand Eden?
