Ep 232: Genesis 3:5 and the Problem of Power

In Genesis 3:5, the woman eats from the tree because the serpent promised she would be “like God”. This reveals the fundamental sin of humanity: trying to grasp for a power they weren’t intended to have. I discuss the historical and literary context of Genesis 1-11, the relationship between myth, history, and truth, and the purpose of these chapters. I then explain Genesis 1-3, showing how God created a good world, made humans in his image and gave them power to rule over creation (but not each other!), and how the human desire to become like God is the root of our problems. I reflect on how Genesis should shape our understanding of human power and why we should be skeptical of political systems.

Additional Resources

John Walton Interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-109-understanding-old-testament-prophecy-with-john-walton/

Carmen Joy Imes Interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-69-being-gods-image-with-carmen-joy-imes/