There are two specific trees identified in the creation story and identified as located in the Garden of Eden. While they are obviously important trees; Our churchly interactions with these treees tend to be as side characters and used to support other creation story interpretations. Should there be more there? There is. This week we will look a little more deeply at threse tree. We have two resources that will be our primary points of discussion in the class. However, if you are interested in diving deeper, we will list some additional resources that may wet your pallet.
-
Session 009 Prolog Podcast
-
Scripture Audio:
Presented as dramatizations from The Bible Gateway.
-
Tree of Life vs. Three of Knowlede of Good & Evil (7 Minutes)
This is a very short podcast. What it does well is show where the trees are in relation to the relationship between Adam and Eve, and the Lord God. There are a couple of interesting perspectives that are presented that I think that you will like. But we will leave that to the discussion time.
-
Weird Stuff: The Trees of Eden
The following link is for RightNow Media. You will have to log into a RightNow Media account to access it. Unfortunately, there is not another link available. This is an extensive look at the trees in the creation story. One of the members of this dialog has written a book on one of the trees. This is another link that will be enjoyed and create many discussion points.
Additional Links for a deeper dive
The following links are some of the ones looked at for inclusion in this weeks discussion. They are not intended to be part of our upcoming disucssion. They are also not leaning in one specific direction. They are literally, all over the place in terms of theology. They are here to help you if you are interested in following this topic down a rabbit hole. If you do follow these links, may God bless you in your studies.
What is the meaning of the Tree of Life?
What is the Tree of Life? Bible Meaning and Importance.
The Two Trees
YouTube Video: Playing God
History’s Most Misunderstood Tree: Why Nothing on Earth Will Satisfy
The Tree of Life: Lost but Not Forgotten
Eden’s two trees: Paths of life and death (Genesis 2–3)
Here are some general things to think about while listening to this week’s resources:
- Why two different trees?
- Did God set a trap?
- Why was God worried that we would be like “us”?
- When do we see the trees elsewhere in the Bible (this will take some study)?