Wednesday 11 February 2009

Background

Although the stories of chapters 2 and 3 of Genesis are verydifferent in language and style from the first account of creationin chapter 1, and God here is much more anthropomorphic (displayinghuman characteristics), it is still obvious that humanity is thepinnacle of creation. Human beings live in the garden first ofall.

A feature of verses 4-9 are the numbers of pairings mentioned inthe text, for example earth/heavens, stream/water, tree oflife/tree of knowledge. Although this account of creation can seemmuch cruder, the poetic style cannot be ignored.

But how do we understand the 'knowledge of good and evil'? Thereare, of course, many different interpretations but there seems tobe a link with human maturity. Young children do not have thisknowledge (Deuteronomy 1:39).But the verb 'to know' is also to do with sexuality. Adam 'knew'Eve (Genesis4:1). Sexuality is neutral, but how we use/misuse our sexualityhas caused much pain as well as joy. It can be both selfish andselfless. So knowledge is not about passing exams, but rather abouthow we actually use/misuse the gifts of life.

Maybe the word at the heart of this passage is 'wisdom'. Wisdom isnot just about acquiring knowledge, but also about knowing how touse it.

To Ponder

What does the ban on eating of the tree ofknowledge of good and evil mean? Does this have any application tocontemporary science?

Does the ban suggest that without God humanbeings cannot know right from wrong? If so, how do those who haveno belief in God make moral decisions?

How would you describe the difference betweenwisdom and knowledge?