Genesis 2-3

The second creation story in Genesis places an emphasis on the idea of knowledge as knowledge is one of the defining characteristics that not only separates humans from other species, but also separates humans from each other. According to Michael Legaspi, this “knowledge of good and evil” is not omniscient and god-like knowledge. Rather it is knowledge that allows Adam and Eve to make opinions and conclusions independently. Once they eat the fruit, their views on things change, such as they are now ashamed of their nakedness and they see the serpent as dishonest and a trickster. This idea of knowledge is important because it is what we experience as we grow up. As children, innocence alters our perception of most things, similar to that of Adam and Eve, and as we grow up our perceptions begin to change as experience replaces innocence, just as Adam and Eve’s perceptions changed once they ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. And the fact that they must eat the fruit rather than touch or look at something continues to play into the analogy of child-like innocence. By making it so they must eat the fruit, it eliminates the chance of them accidentally disobeying God. Accidentally looking or bumping into something is very possible, however, it is unlikely one would accidentally eat something they aren’t supposed to when there are plenty of other options. Adam and Eve’s deliberate act of disobedience is analogous to a child disobeying their parents as well as the overwhelming curiosity displayed by a child when told not to do something. Furthermore, Adam and Eve’s trust in the serpent highlights the inherent trusting nature of children. It is for this reason that one cannot blame Adam and Eve for eating the forbidden fruit in the story the same way one cannot blame a child for disobeying their parents every once in a while. Their failure to obey was not an act of malice, but simply them not knowing any better. Eating the fruit does not make them God-like, rather it takes away their innocent view of the world and reveals suffering and struggle that was always present. This is why God’s act of banishing them from the garden was one of mercy as it gives a purpose to the suffering in the world now that they must work for their own survival. Having responsibilities gives an adult’s life meaning whereas a child’s purpose in life is simply to enjoy life and learn to survive on their own for when the time comes.