Ron Cowie: "Theistic Evolution" (2021) - 021
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from Sundaes —
I agree with these.
from Jonathan —
Well of course. Its self-evident from the text. For a more accurate and full quotation see below, taken from here.
Second, we’re all familiar with Eden’s imagery and literary devices; a talking snake who beguiles an innocent woman with a lie, a tree of knowledge of good and evil whose fruit magically opens the eyes to make one wise, the mother of all living miraculously formed from a sleeping man’s rib, another tree with supernatural power to grant immortality to the eater, the tragedy for all creation when the young woman (who didn’t even have a mother) was tempted and ate the forbidden fruit. On such a slender thread the fate of all the world hung!
As an allegory Eden’s story is deep, powerful and profound, an inspired revelation of the first most basic principles of temptation, sin and redemption. On this we all agree. As a literal historical record however it is weak, for like other divine revelations it employs highly symbolic and fantastic imagery to convey its message.
Some may be shocked by the idea that Eden is more literary revelation than literal historical record, much as orthodox Christians are horrified that we do not believe a literal supernatural devil tempted Jesus. But in view of the fantastic elements woven into the story it should come as no surprise if mature Bible students skilled in the Word of righteousness discern[1] that “literal historic record” is not the defining genre of these early chapters in Genesis, and seek a better explanation.
A serious scholar will follow all the evidence, and we have only begun to draw attention to what is obvious from the text. Dig a bit deeper, and all attempts to read early Genesis literally prove impossible. Whatever our personal views on Eden (and there are many), surely we can all agree that the primary value of Eden is its allegory, and respect the decision of more cautious scholars should they choose to leave it there.
- ↑ For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:12-14
