Garden of Eden

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INSIGHT 1

Tradition and folklore have twisted what the Bible actually says

The Garden of Eden is like a fairy tale to most people, even to Christians, and most don't know that the Bible tells us the time, place, and exactly what happened. Tradition and folklore have added so much to the biblical story that it now almost incomprehensible to doubters and unbelievers. Major theological doctrines have grown out of the story for Jews, Christians, and Muslims.

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INSIGHT 2

Adam and Eve may not have been the first humans

TOPIC 1.3 (People before Adam) lists many clues from the Bible that there were people on earth before God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden. Adam was the first sinner, but probably not the first human. Bible credibility is at stake here because archaeology, scientific testing, and DNA analysis show clearly that there was human activity on earth before BC 4000. See the evidence from both Bible and science.

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INSIGHT 3

The earth was not a perfect paradise before Adam sinned

See all the Bible verses that tell us that God didn't create the earth as a perfect paradise (from our perspective). The earth as we find it is the way God wanted it. Adam didn't ruin it. Jesus never even mentioned Adam's name. Growth and multiplication without death is no paradise. Death is essential not only for food but also for preventing overcrowding and suffocation, and for clearing the way for new life.

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INSIGHT 4

The Bible doesn't say that Adam's sin is the cause of all death

TOPIC 1.3.2 (Sin not cause of death) shows that the idea that all death is the result of Adam's sin comes from church tradition, not from any direct statement in the Bible. See the two verses in scripture which have been stretched and twisted to support the idea that the earth and everything in it was once immortal.

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INSIGHT 5

The doctrine of original sin is grossly unjust and biblically challenged

TOPIC 1.4.3 (Original sin) shows that the idea that everyone is born guilty for Adam's sin comes from church tradition, not from any direct statement in the Bible. See the four verses in scripture which have been stretched and twisted to support this monstrous idea, and see the harm it has done in driving people away from God. Also, see an in-depth study of Romans 5 and I Corinthians 15.

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INSIGHT 6

The Bible says that in hell the fire burns FOREVER but not the people

TOPIC 3.4.1 (Will people burn in hell forever?) lists all 29 verses on topic from the Bible, quoted in full, showing that hell fire is forever but that people will eventually die in the fire. In Jesus words: burned up, destroyed, consumed, perish. People go to hell because of their own unforgiven sin, not because of Adam's sin. Punishment is with justice, not with crazed vengence.

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COMBINE

Here's where we combine the six Insights to get an informed biblical answer: What happened in the Garden of Eden?

The Insights here are like pieces of a puzzle. Put the pieces together and see the big picture! Now you'll be prepared to engage intelligently and coherently with anyone about what the Bible says about any major aspect of the Garden of Eden story. Also see reader comments.

Thinkers Bible Studies / Topic 1.4

What happened in the Garden of Eden?

Tradition and folklore have twisted what the Bible actually says

Adam and Eve may not have been the first humans

The earth was not a perfect paradise before Adam sinned

The Bible doesn't say that Adam's sin is the cause of all death

The doctrine of original sin is grossly unjust and biblically challenged

The Bible says that in hell the fire burns FOREVER but not the people

Here's where we combine the six Insights to get an informed biblical answer: What happened in the Garden of Eden?