Consider Genesis, Chapter 3 (found in Module Three/Lectures and Activities) concerning the “fall of humanity.” According to this passage, Adam and Eve were told that they could eat from any plant in the garden with the exception of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. They were warned that they would die if they ate of that tree. One day, Adam and Eve are walking in the garden and are tempted by the evil one (who had possessed the body of a serpent) who said that God had lied to them and that they would not die but would become like God…knowing all things. Long story short, they ate and were then banned from eating from the Tree of Life (which they could eat from freely before they disobeyed God.)
Banning Adam and Eve from the Tree of Life after they had eaten from the Tree of Knowledge is usually thought of as a punishment. Keeping in mind that it was the Tree of Knowledge of both Good and Evil, can you see any way that the subsequent ban on the Tree of Life could also have been a gift? You might also keep in mind that not all warnings are threats.
-An explanation of how the ban might be seen as a punishment.
– An explanation of how the ban might also be seen as a gift, if you believe that is a valid concept.
-You may also want to share other thoughts you have concerning the “fall of humanity,” although it is not a requirement.
