I think the Garden of Eden story works well as an allegory [although, as an aside, it can be argued that it depicts one of the most stupendously evil acts by any God figure in any religious literature that I am aware of, but never mind that for now...].
And, as an allegory, it indicates there was a creative and imaginative effort by Bronze Age people to wrap their heads around their belief in the existence of a divine lawgiver, the need for order in their society, and an understanding of the cause of the immoral and anti-social acts that are part and parcel of the human condition.
But to be STILL taking it literally something like six millennia later does seem rather odd. I wouldn't use the word "dumb"; I'd call it "odd".
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@fmf saidI think the Garden of Eden story works well as an allegory.
I think the Garden of Eden story works well as an allegory [although, as an aside, it can be argued that it depicts one of the most stupendously evil acts by any God figure in any religious literature that I am aware of, but never mind that for now...].
And, as an allegory, it indicates there was a creative and imaginative effort by Bronze Age people to wrap their heads arou ...[text shortened]... ng like six millennia later does seem rather odd. I wouldn't use the word "dumb"; I'd call it "odd".
The geographical Garden of Eden, northeast of the Persian Gulf as described in the Bible is now under water. Deciphering the question of allegory vs fact would be nearly impossible, since little or no physical evidence from that era would be left.
@mchill saidSo, you think the Garden of Eden story might NOT be an allegory?
The geographical Garden of Eden, northeast of the Persian Gulf as described in the Bible is now under water. Deciphering the question of allegory vs fact would be nearly impossible, since little or no physical evidence from that era would be left.
@josephw saidDo you think people experiencing everlasting life will have scripture "echoing in [their] minds throughout eternity"? Or are you suggesting that what you know about Crossan's beliefs means he may be facing "damnation"?
Sad to say I think Crossan will hear the words in Revelation 22:18,19 echo in his mind throughout eternity.
@fmf saidCrossan doesn't believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Do you think people experiencing everlasting life will have scripture "echoing in [their] minds throughout eternity"? Or are you suggesting that what you know about Crossan's beliefs means he may be facing "damnation"?
It's a clear indication he's headed for judgment.