Post by Susan Peabody on Sept 30, 2024 18:32:09 GMT -8
The first story in the Bible is about disobedience. Adam and Eve both ate of the tree of good and toxic (right and wrong). They were ashamed and hid from God. Their shame took the form guilt and self-awareness of their susceptibility to wrongdoing
In the original version, Eve tempted or seduced Adam. To the feminists, they were both culpable because God gave Adam free will.
The second story in the Bible is about murder. Cain, out of jealousy, murdered his brother Abel.
What is the lesson here? Disobedience of God's word leads to sin, crimes, or in modern language shortcomings.
Today, we now know that sin leads to shame which leads to more disobedience and such things as addiction. This triggers more shame, and we begin a downward spiral until we turn back to God, ask for forgiveness, and obey the will of God from that point on. As Jesus said to the adulterous, "Go and sin no more."
So, shame can destroy us or save us. Interesting dichotomy.
Where does all this lead? On earth obedience it will lead to happiness because knows what is best for us. In our inner spirit it will lead to Joy which far surpasses hapiness.