|
Training for Book Authors
|
|
|
Other Resources for Book Authors & Publishers
|
|
|
Please Support Our Advertisers
|
|
|
|
|
|
'Rescuing Eve - Setting the Record Straight'
Copyright (c) 2007-2023 Gary Kurz
There is nothing more egregious to the human spirit than injustice. We can usually tolerate hardships or suffering when we feel that we are not alone; that others are enduring similar experiences in their lives. It may just be the old axiom "misery loves company" at play, but more likely it is the feeling that even if life is difficult, it is at least equally difficult for all. Somehow we derive a bizarre sense of fairness from this.
For example, when we arrive at the Doctor's office and see that others are also suffering from the flu, we suddenly feel a little better. Subconsciously, we accept that we are not alone, that we have not been singled out by fate. Somehow this makes our situation a little more tolerable.
When it comes to injustices, however, we are presented with a much different situation, a most intolerable challenge. When one is wronged, it is not perceived on a universal level, but rather on a very personal one. In essence, our perception is that we have been wronged to the exclusion of everyone else; that life has somehow placed the fickle finger of fate upon us.
Our self-esteem compels us to fight back against the injustice. Indeed, being treated unfairly and not attempting to right the wrong is almost beyond our ability. Even the seasoned Christian, armed with the direction of our Lord to "turn the other cheek" and be longsuffering in such matters, is tested to their limit when it comes to unfairness.
To a lesser degree, when an injustice is perpetrated on another, especially when that person cannot defend themselves, some of us feel as passionate about fixing that wrong as we do when we ourselves are the victim.
Through recorded time, Eve, the Biblical matriarch of the human race, has repeatedly been assigned the blame for causing the fall of mankind and expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Even though this injustice was imposed upon her posthumously and, in all honesty, she probably is not even aware of her infamous legacy the record still needs to be corrected.
Let us consider the things we know from scripture. To begin, we know that God did not expel Eve from the garden after she sinned. He could have, but he did not. It was not until Adam sinned that this judgment was imposed and both man and wife were ushered out.
Couple this fact with what we are told in Romans 5:12 (kjv), and we see that the blame for disobeying God is not laid on Eve, but rather on Adam. By God's own hand we are told...
"Wherefore as by one man, sin entered into the world..."
The latter part of this verse goes on to explain that because of Adam's sin, death has passed upon all. This is commonly referred to as "the curse". Simply stated, all who are born into this life are cursed to die both a physical and a spiritual death.
God lays the blame for the curse and fall upon Adam and not Eve. I may be labeled a heretic for saying this, but one cannot ignore the facts. It appears that Eve's sin was almost inconsequential. I am not trying to lessen the sinfulness of her act, for scripture tells us that "the woman being deceived was in the transgression".
No doubt about it; she sinned. I am not trying to give her a free pass. Rather, I am attempting to show that because her sin was the result of being beguiled or tricked, the consequence of it was primarily confined to Eve herself and it was not the catalyst for expulsion from Eden.
God did not condemn Adam or declare the curse to be in effect because of Eve's sin. He did not immediately expel Eve. It was only after Adam sinned that this penalty was imposed. It was only then that the ramifications of sin began to take its toll on this world.
Why was this so? Why was Adam's sin more consequential and grave than Eve's? We might assume it was because God held Adam responsible as the head of his family; and we would be correct in that assumption. However, this is too simplistic an explanation.
Of more weight than Adam committing sin was the fact that Adam sinned on purpose. Eve did not. She was deceived. Certainly the lust of the flesh and pride of life were contributing factors to her decision-making process, but the fact remains, she was deceived. Adam was not.
The next fact is found in I Timothy 2:14 (kjv), where we are told:
"And Adam was not deceived..."
Adam consciously and purposely chose to sin. He was fully aware of God's expressed taboo. He knew what ramifications would follow his act of disobedience. Yet, after lengthy consideration, he purposely and willfully sinned.
Why would he do this? Why would he choose to separate himself from God and the good life he had in the garden? Whyt would he subject himself to physical suffering and death? What would compel a man to give up perfection for decay, peace for turmoil, and leisure for hard work and toil?
The answer is actually quite simple and rather obvious. He did it for Eve. Adam knew that Eve had violated God's command and that there was no reversing her sin. He knew that what God had said would come to pass. Eve was going to perish.
Try to imagine Adam's situation. The Garden of Eden was his home. It was a place of beauty and tranquility. The land and environment were perfect. The animals were tame. Each day was perfect in every way.
There was no illness or death. There was no aging. Locks and alarms did not exist. There was no need for concern in any matter. God provided for everything.
Adam had been a content and happy man. There was nothing threatening or negative in Adam's world. There had been only a brief period of time when Adam felt lonely, and God took care of that problem quickly by creating Eve.
Adam briefly recalled when God had introduced him to Eve after he had awakened. She was the most exquisite creature he had ever seen. She looked like him, and yet she was not like him. There was something different about her, something very special.
She not only complimented his life, she completed it. She met his needs emotionally and physically and almost immediately he loved her. They were a perfect match in a perfect place and joy filled every corner of their world.
With Eve's arrival, Adam experienced what was perhaps the first epiphany. Suddenly he was aware of the beauty of Eden. He hadn't noticed it before, at least not to this degree. The birds' songs seemed sweeter, the flowers more fragrant, the garden more alive. Now, with Eve, there was purpose to living.
With that in mind, try to put yourself in Adam's place. All of a sudden, without warning everything had changed. His perfect world was shattered. He sensed the change and for the first time he feared.
Adam did not have to ask Eve what she had done. He could see it. Not only had the garden started to change, but Eve too was different. Her countenance had gone from one of innocence to one of sensuality. Her face reflected concern and despair. She seemed unhappy and frightened. Her flesh was already showing signs of aging.
Adam knew that she had disobeyed God. He knew immediately that the consequences of God's warning were starting to take effect. His Eve was going to die. Already she was changing. Already she was moving away from him in shame. He was losing her. Unhappiness flooded into his heart.
Adam knew that he had a choice to make. Was he to be faithful to God and give up the love of his life and perhaps his very reason for living? Was he to watch helplessly as Eve wasted away? Or would he too disobey God to remain with his wife.
The choice may have been painful, but it was not a hard one for Adam to make. He did not want to disobey God. He did not want to be away from God. But he loved Eve more than he loved God and he really had no choice. He chose to sin and die with her rather than to live forever without her.
Adam was not deceived. Adam was not tricked. He purposely sinned in order to be with the woman God had given to him.
Eve has taken the brunt of blame for the fall throughout history. We can suppose that Adam would not have sinned if Eve hadn't, but we cannot know that for sure. All we can know for sure is that Adam sinned and that God held him responsible for the fall, not Eve.
The truth is, Eve did what most of us probably would have done under the circumstances. Today we are armed with the knowledge of human history and the written Word of God. Eve had neither to rely on for wisdom. She was not "street smart" if you will. Consequently, she was an easy mark for that old serpent.
Again, Eve does not deserve a free pass for being the first sinner, but neither does she deserve the burden for the fall of mankind. It is time to set the record straight.
|
Gary Kurz is a Baptist Preacher and Bible Teacher. He helps those grieving the loss of a pet to understand the Biblical evidence that proves they live on. His most popular book, "Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates" delivers hope and comfort to the reader in a very gentle, yet convincing way. Visit at http://www.coldnosesbook.com for more information, tips and gifts or write to Gary at petgate@aol.com
|
VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >>
0 -
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
<< Excellent Article
Tell our authors what you think about their article.
|
Top-Level Category: Religion Articles
10 Most Recent Articles Written by Gary Kurz
'The Ten Suggestions'
Written by: Gary Kurz |
Distributed: 2007-01-17 |
Word Count: 893 |
Page Views: 5017
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.56
The real reason that God gave the 10 Commandments.
'Shackles'
Written by: Gary Kurz |
Distributed: 2006-12-20 |
Word Count: 748 |
Page Views: 3938
| Votes: 18 |
Rating: 1.83
Tribute to the Coast Guard 'Station Dog'...
The Lord is My Pastor
Written by: Gary Kurz |
Distributed: 2006-12-14 |
Word Count: 735 |
Page Views: 4268
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 1.89
Setting a more perfect Christian example.
Pat Tillman's Example
Written by: Gary Kurz |
Distributed: 2006-12-07 |
Word Count: 584 |
Page Views: 4160
| Votes: 13 |
Rating: 1.77
A Challenge for Christian Service
A Christmas Quiz
Written by: Gary Kurz |
Distributed: 2006-12-07 |
Word Count: 896 |
Page Views: 4333
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 2.00
A quick quiz on Christmas knowledge.
Amy
Written by: Gary Kurz |
Distributed: 2006-11-30 |
Word Count: 742 |
Page Views: 4356
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 3.27
A moving, true story to encourage giving and support of
missions.
Putting Your Pet out to Pasture
Written by: Gary Kurz |
Distributed: 2006-11-28 |
Word Count: 1162 |
Page Views: 3851
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 1.71
Understanding why your pet eats grass.
The Tears of God
Written by: Gary Kurz |
Distributed: 2006-11-24 |
Word Count: 1310 |
Page Views: 4783
| Votes: 16 |
Rating: 2.19
Discussion of Bible evidence on whether animals have souls or
not.
Making the Big Decision - Euthanasia
Written by: Gary Kurz |
Distributed: 2006-11-24 |
Word Count: 1358 |
Page Views: 4215
| Votes: 18 |
Rating: 2.94
Help for those feeling guilty about putting a pet to sleep.
The Souls of Animals
Written by: Gary Kurz |
Distributed: 2006-11-14 |
Word Count: 925 |
Page Views: 5076
| Votes: 16 |
Rating: 3.50
Discussion of Bible evidence on whether animals have souls or
not.
All of Author's Articles on this site: Gary Kurz Articles
Most Recent "Religion" Articles
Greek Mythology and Christanity - Strange Bedfellows
Written by: Arthur Trafford |
Distributed: 2011-09-16 |
Word Count: 3628 |
Page Views: 5435
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 0.25
You do realize that the Christian Messiah could have come
into the world full grown, just like Adam and Eve? Read this
article to find out why.
Just Think
Written by: Joyce C. Lock |
Distributed: 2009-04-30 |
Word Count: 702 |
Page Views: 4134
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.33
Biblical lessons from Joyce C. Lock. What if people were to sell
Jesus the way we sell goods and services, with the same gusto,
determination and dedication to our cause?
Let There Be Peace
Written by: Joyce C. Lock |
Distributed: 2009-04-29 |
Word Count: 538 |
Page Views: 4124
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 1.14
Biblical lessons from Joyce C. Lock. Finding peace in the common
age sometimes seems impossible. But with the right guidance, all
things are possible.
The Lord is My Strength and Song
Written by: Joyce C. Lock |
Distributed: 2009-04-23 |
Word Count: 2321 |
Page Views: 4671
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.63
Biblical passages by Joyce C. Lock. The Lord is my strength and
song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will
prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt
him.
In Remembrance of Me
Written by: Joyce C. Lock |
Distributed: 2009-04-22 |
Word Count: 1799 |
Page Views: 3987
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 1.50
Biblical passages from Joyce C. Lock. The temptation of Jesus.
Seek Me First
Written by: Joyce C. Lock |
Distributed: 2009-04-21 |
Word Count: 1968 |
Page Views: 4700
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.11
Biblical passages from Joyce C. Lock.
Rapidly Accelerate Your Spiritual Growth Through Writing Stories
Written by: Chris Cade |
Distributed: 2008-10-28 |
Word Count: 825 |
Page Views: 4436
| Votes: 13 |
Rating: 1.85
For centuries, spiritual sages have told short stories to
enlighten and inspire others. Counting the stories and parables
that Jesus and the Buddhas have told might take a lifetime, and
it would probably take several lifetimes to fully integrate the
wisdom from those stories into ourselves.
When Two Become One - The Gift of Sacred Marriage
Written by: Mashubi Rochell |
Distributed: 2007-12-31 |
Word Count: 780 |
Page Views: 4375
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 0.60
In previous eras, the nature of sacred marriage was connected
with duty, or related to practical necessities. Nowadays, as
human relationships transform and become more conscious, the
nature of sacred marriage enters a whole new domain of
possibility, that is related to two souls who become One in God,
without releasing their individuality or unique identities.
When Faith Is Tested
Written by: Mashubi Rochell |
Distributed: 2007-12-26 |
Word Count: 809 |
Page Views: 4330
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 2.50
This is a time of monumental transition for our world, and each
of our lives is being affected by the larger planetary
transformations that are happening. Many of us who are on a
spiritual path and living a spiritual life feel dismayed by the
great intensity that is manifesting in our lives, our
relationships, and even our physical bodies.
The Healing Presence of God's Love
Written by: Mashubi Rochell |
Distributed: 2007-12-19 |
Word Count: 729 |
Page Views: 4855
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.25
God's love as a healing presence in the world is growing
stronger daily. Many people are not yet able to perceive this
growing presence of light, because there also exists at this time
a thick cloud of negative energy that is surrounding the Earth.
This acts to obscure both the perception and the consciousness of
people, and to create feelings of isolation and despair.
Most Viewed "Religion" Articles
Seeing God Through The Eyes Of A Child
Written by: Siobhan Gamble |
Distributed: 2007-07-16 |
Word Count: 1056 |
Page Views: 10235
| Votes: 26 |
Rating: 1.77
When you look into the eyes of a child, it doesn't take a
special kind of person to see their innocence, imagination and
wonder. Every child, no matter what part of the world they come
from or what language they speak, pretends, believes, and has
irrational fears.
Understanding Catholicism After My Protestant Upbringing
Written by: Lindsie Andrews |
Distributed: 2007-04-04 |
Word Count: 1172 |
Page Views: 7190
| Votes: 16 |
Rating: 3.19
The Catholic Church and its thousand-year history conjure strong
feelings in many and add to the luster of the most stable
organizational body in the history of mankind.
Should The Christian Worry About A 'Generational Transference' Of Demons?
Written by: Christian Darland |
Distributed: 2006-07-06 |
Word Count: 1285 |
Page Views: 6214
| Votes: 18 |
Rating: 2.28
Am I suffering demonically from habitual sins my great-
grandfather was involved in (not just once-in-a-while-sins, but
over and over again)? Will my grandkids and great-grandkids
suffer demonic punishment and slavery because of some habitual
sin I do? Where does this idea really come from?
The Church Choir
Written by: Joyce C. Lock |
Distributed: 2007-04-07 |
Word Count: 786 |
Page Views: 6141
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 2.00
Church Choir: A church within a church, made up of many of the
church's finest leaders ... the most likely place where a
majority will bond together in friendship and unity, as they bond
with the Lord. In strengthening its members, the entire church
is strengthened. And, as they become one in heart, soul, and
purpose ... God has promised His Spirit indwelling. The entire
direction of a church can be changed through its choir.
Grace for Grace
Written by: Joyce C. Lock |
Distributed: 2007-03-31 |
Word Count: 150 |
Page Views: 6101
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 2.08
Grace: God's unmerited favor, unconditional love, when we get
what we don't deserve, when we get something far greater than
anything we deserved, when we hit the end of the road and find a
second chance, salvation, forgiveness.
The Celtic Cross
Written by: Marc Choyt |
Distributed: 2007-08-17 |
Word Count: 744 |
Page Views: 5813
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 2.00
The cross has broad significance as a marker of not only
religion, but also of cultural identity. This article discusses
the ancient symbolism and history of the Celtic cross, which
incorporates Pagan views, in contrast to the Latin cross, which
represent the life of Christ. With the inclusion of the simple
circle, the Celtic cross embodies symbolically the unification of
opposites and balance.
Greek Mythology and Christanity - Strange Bedfellows
Written by: Arthur Trafford |
Distributed: 2011-09-16 |
Word Count: 3628 |
Page Views: 5435
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 0.25
You do realize that the Christian Messiah could have come
into the world full grown, just like Adam and Eve? Read this
article to find out why.
Ancient Fig Trees Through History
Written by: Patrick Malcolm |
Distributed: 2006-11-01 |
Word Count: 1080 |
Page Views: 5427
| Votes: 18 |
Rating: 2.33
The fig tree, 'Ficus carica,' possibly originated in Northern
Asia according to archeological fossil records. Spanish
missionaries brought it to the United States in 1520. Historical
Sumerian tablets record the use and consumption of figs in 2500
BC.
Mercy, Not Sacrifice
Written by: Joyce C. Lock |
Distributed: 2007-03-06 |
Word Count: 1020 |
Page Views: 5323
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.44
We have heard it said, 'I don't smoke, curse, or chew; or run
around with women who do.' Will somebody please give them a
cookie ... to shut them up? Isn't that a bit like gloating,
'I'm saved and you're not'? I mean, really.
Giving Credit Where Credit is Due
Written by: Joyce C. Lock |
Distributed: 2007-02-07 |
Word Count: 216 |
Page Views: 5305
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 1.29
Have you ever attended a church service and thought, 'Yuck!
This church is dead,' then attended elsewhere and thought,
'Wow! God is there,' as you felt personally touched by His
presence?
Highest Ranked "Religion" Articles
The Souls of Animals
Written by: Gary Kurz |
Distributed: 2006-11-14 |
Word Count: 925 |
Page Views: 5076
| Votes: 16 |
Rating: 3.50
Discussion of Bible evidence on whether animals have souls or
not.
Amy
Written by: Gary Kurz |
Distributed: 2006-11-30 |
Word Count: 742 |
Page Views: 4356
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 3.27
A moving, true story to encourage giving and support of
missions.
Understanding Catholicism After My Protestant Upbringing
Written by: Lindsie Andrews |
Distributed: 2007-04-04 |
Word Count: 1172 |
Page Views: 7190
| Votes: 16 |
Rating: 3.19
The Catholic Church and its thousand-year history conjure strong
feelings in many and add to the luster of the most stable
organizational body in the history of mankind.
Ties that Bind
Written by: Joyce C. Lock |
Distributed: 2007-03-06 |
Word Count: 483 |
Page Views: 4308
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 3.00
When growing up, if there was a sibling dispute, mom had the
perfect solution. She would refuse to choose. Instead, mom
would bang our heads together. She'd say that it takes two to
fight ~ so we both got it. Now, that really hurt! But, it
worked, every time. We'd hush, immediately. Though we didn't
like it, we didn't dare say another word.
Leaving Your Financial Wilderness
Written by: Joyce C. Lock |
Distributed: 2007-04-05 |
Word Count: 419 |
Page Views: 4208
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 3.00
One's instinct to survive goes against giving all, as if we'd
lose all that's left. And, whatever we think we possess is just
a figment of our imagination. Yet, we cling to it for dear life.
Spirituality
Written by: Siobhan Gamble |
Distributed: 2007-03-26 |
Word Count: 760 |
Page Views: 4187
| Votes: 19 |
Rating: 2.89
Spirituality has always been a very sensitive topic. To many, it
is a never ending discussion which can lead to arguments and
debates that can jump from topic to topic. For others, it is a
topic that should be left well enough, alone. I personally find
the topic to not only be interesting, but also very important.
Humbleness: Should It Be Humiliating?
Written by: Siobhan Gamble |
Distributed: 2007-03-27 |
Word Count: 731 |
Page Views: 4544
| Votes: 18 |
Rating: 2.89
In this day and time, it almost seems as if kindness, politeness,
consideration, and most of the lessons we were taught as children
were tossed out of the window one day and replaced with a new set
of rules. Could it simply be that children these days are born
with a defect, lacking self-control? Or are they just not being
taught the way they should be taught; parents blaming modern day
hardships and circumstances? It is true that the children being
raised today will determine the shape of our future, but in the
meantime, whose example are they following?
Fruit Inspection
Written by: Joyce C. Lock |
Distributed: 2007-03-17 |
Word Count: 268 |
Page Views: 4980
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 2.87
If we believe we are called to be Fruit Inspectors, then might we
also have been watching for imperfection in Jesus, in His day,
too?
Checking Our Foundation
Written by: Joyce C. Lock |
Distributed: 2007-02-06 |
Word Count: 1502 |
Page Views: 4535
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.78
When we seek to know about God instead of knowing Him, our
knowledge will never be complete.
God is Not Mocked
Written by: Joyce C. Lock |
Distributed: 2007-03-27 |
Word Count: 395 |
Page Views: 4948
| Votes: 16 |
Rating: 2.69
How many times have we had the urge to Lord it over someone
fallen; to look at them in disgust, to shun their very presence,
to talk behind their back, to refuse their service, to forget all
the good they've done, to spit in their face and kick them when
their down?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Article Reprint Rights
|
This work is
licensed under a
Creative Commons
License
You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
|
|
Article Statistics
|
Word Count: 1573
Total Views: 4721
Article Rating: 2.38 of 5
Votes Cast: 8
More Articles By Author:
Articles On This Website
Last Distribution Date:
2007-01-16 13:00:00
Internal ID: #4222
|
|
|
Home