Bible Studies

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{First published on Suite101.com}

The third chapter of Genesis gives a detailed description of a dialog between the serpent (traditionally believed to be the devil), and the first woman (later called Eve). This conversation is significant since it is the account of the temptation that ultimately resulted in the woman partaking of a fruit that was expressly forbidden by God. The Biblical passage goes on to state that the woman gave some of the fruit to her husband, and that he also ate. But what type of convincing argument did she use to influence her husband to disobey God? The dialogue that must have taken place between the two seems to be missing.

Therefore, I have attempted to recreate the historic conversation. The following is my humble submission to the third chapter of the first book of the Bible.

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The Woman: Adam, check this out.

Adam: Is that what I think it is?

The Woman: Yep. This is the greatest thing I have ever eaten. I feel so free. From now on, I am going to decide what is good and what is evil. No more rules and regulations for me. Take a bite, Adam.

Adam: I can hardly believe you did that. ARE YOU CRAZY?

The Woman: Why? Do you still believe that old scare tactic that if we eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil we will die? Look at me Adam. I ate it and I'm still alive. My friend told me the only reason God was so hung up about that tree was that he was afraid we would become like him.

Adam: I think your friend is a liar. Who is this friend anyway?

The Woman: You know … that serpent guy. He really seems very wise. Did you ever talk to him?

Adam: No. I never trusted him.

The Woman: Well, he is a very nice person. He made me realize how miserable I was. He encouraged me to fulfill my desires and not to worry about those things God said.

Adam: But we have everything we could ever want right here. We can do whatever we want and eat of every tree, except THAT TREE. It is just ONE TREE that God told us not to touch. WHY COULD YOU NOT OBEY THAT ONE COMMAND?

The Woman: Because it was THAT COMMAND that kept me from MAKING MY OWN DECISIONS. I want to be my own god, Adam. You can be your own god too. Why are you so content to follow everything he tells you?

Adam: Because he loves us and only wants the best for us.

The Woman: Yea, right. Is that why he told us to stay away from the one tree that can set us free?

Adam: Why do I want to be free from God? I know he loves me. He created me, so he must know what is best for me.

The Woman: How do you know he created you? How do you know he created anything? I think it all just happened and that he is getting all the credit.

Adam: I didn't just assume that God made me. He told me he did. And I remember when he made you.

The Woman: Were you there when he made me?

Adam: Yes I was. God put me into a deep sleep, then he took a rib from my side and …

The Woman: Oh, you were asleep. That is a real eyewitness account. And where is the hole in your side?

Adam: God sealed it back.

The Woman: Ha ha ha … Please stop. Poor Adam, you are so naïve. Eat this and you'll see what I am talking about.

Adam: NO! God said not to eat it!

The Woman: How can you be sure? It was probably several days ago since you heard God say that. Your memory might be a little off. All you have is an imperfect memory of what God said to your imperfect ears. You cannot honestly take everything you have in your memory as the infallible word of God, can you? Even my friend mistakenly thought God told us not to eat of any fruit in the garden. So why are you so sure you know God's words? Isn't it possible that God did not say what you think he said?

Adam: Well, I guess that is a possibility. But I'll follow what I believe God said. He warned me about disobeying him. I like it here and I want to live.

The Woman: You say that God loves us. Come on Adam, would a God of love kick us out, or let us die. Belief is nice, but use your common sense.

Adam: I see your point. Why are you holding that fig leaf in front of you?

The Woman: Because I would rather not be naked like you.

Adam: What do you mean?

The Woman: Eat this and you'll see. Adam, be your own person for once. If God loves you, no harm will come. If he does not love you, why would you want to follow everything he says?

Adam: Oh, all right. I guess one little bite won't hurt.

The Woman: It's good, huh? Now you know good, and you know evil.

Adam: Wow, I sure do. Before I ate it, all I knew was good … but I didn't think of it as good. I just thought of it as God's creation and his commands. Now I know what evil is also. It sure is different.

The Woman: Now you are free. Free to do what you want. Free to decide what is evil and what is good … for YOU.

Adam: But all I want to do is hide. I feel so ashamed.

The Woman: Because you are naked?

Adam: That too. What am I going to tell God? This knowing good and evil thing makes me realize that I messed up big time.

The Woman: OK, we'll hide. If God finds us, I'm just going to blame it on the serpent dude.

Adam: Well, I'm going to blame it on you.

The Woman: Why just me? Blame it on God who put me here with you in the first place.

Adam: Good idea. We're not evil. We're just victims. God will have to understand that. See … I'm learning how to choose good and evil for myself already. By the way, if he asks us why we're hiding, tell him it's because we're naked.

The Woman: Don't worry so much. Even if he does find us, what is he going to do? Like I said, a God of love would never kick us out or let us die.

Adam: I guess you're right. Let's hide anyway. I think I hear him coming.

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