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1. Adam and Eve

Boy Writing Hebrew Letters on Blackboard

Adam and Eve, according to the Bible, were the first people on Earth and lived in the Garden of Eden. They were given one rule: not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge. However, they were tempted by a talking serpent, and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, then offered it to Adam. As a consequence, God expelled them from the garden, cursing the ground and making life harder for them, including the pain of childbirth for women.


A little debate... 

Look at Genesis 2:18 "Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.” 

  • Did God know Eve was going to eat the fruit? 

  • What does it mean for Eve to be a “helper?” 

  • Does that mean that Adam is more important than Eve?

  • Would it make a difference if you knew the Hebrew word for helper is the same word used for God’s relationship to Adam and Eve? (God is their helper.) 

  • What do you think about the fact that God can walk around in these scriptures?

Torah Scroll

Suggested Reflection with Mature Teens and Young Adults

  • Did God know Eve would eat the fruit? This question asks whether God, being all-knowing, was aware of Eve's choice to eat the forbidden fruit before it happened, considering the idea of human free will and divine foresight.

  • What does it mean for Eve to be a “helper?”When the Bible describes Eve as a "helper," it suggests a supportive and cooperative role rather than one of lesser importance. The term implies mutual assistance and partnership between Adam and Eve.

  • Does this imply Adam is more important than Eve? Despite the use of "helper," the Bible emphasizes equality between men and women, both created in the image of God. Eve's role complements Adam's, highlighting their interdependence rather than any superiority or inferiority.

  • How does knowing the Hebrew word for helper affect our understanding? Knowing that the Hebrew word for "helper" is also used to describe God's relationship with Adam and Eve emphasizes a sense of partnership and divine support, challenging traditional notions of hierarchy.

  • What about the depiction of God walking in the garden? The portrayal of God walking in the garden raises questions about how to interpret symbolic language in ancient texts. Some see it as a way to illustrate God's presence and interaction with humanity in relatable terms, while others view it as metaphorical language symbolizing God's close connection to creation.

DEFINITIONS

ORIGINAL SIN: This term refers to the initial act of disobedience by Eve, who ate the forbidden fruit and shared it with Adam. It's worth noting that the Hebrew word commonly translated as "sin" is not explicitly used in this context. 


NEPHESH: Hebrew word which denotes the essence of life or soul. 


FALL OF MAN: This concept suggests that humanity was originally innocent but became aware of good and evil after consuming the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge.


QUICK TIDBITS OF INFORMATION

  • There are two stories about the creation of Adam and Eve in the Bible.

  • Adam's name means "dust" or "dirt" in Hebrew.

  • Eve is often thought to have eaten an apple, but the Bible simply says "fruit."

  • Eve's name means "life" or "living" in Hebrew.

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