Locke describes original humanity as savage, broken and scavenging in the state of nature where we are left alone. However, the Christian origin story describes a much different beginning. Instead of being created alone, God created Eve to be with Adam, a partner, another half to make Adam whole. And instead of being left to scavenge for what they need to survive, they are provided with every thing they need in Paradise. Paradise is originally defined as a plentiful garden, and the Garden of Eden was just that.
However, Adam and Eve give up this Paradise, they defy their God and creator, and thus become broken and alone in this world left to scavenge for their own needs. This savage state of nature is a result of our own sin and not what we were created for. Man was created as a complete whole for the purpose of reflecting that of God's image, on earth as it is in Heaven. In God's image, man was to multiple, creating new life, and fill the earth so as to live abundantly.
In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were of one whole and a reflection of God designed to birth new life in God's image. Reflecting upon this origin story, where there did exist this unity, wholeness, and perfection, what then does it mean for the modern family and marriage?
No comments:
Post a Comment