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Bible Studies/The Garden of Eden - Literal or Figurative?

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Expert: Quentin Parker - 2/2/2010


Question

location
I am admittedly a "fence-sitter". Born with a logic dominating mind, I must confirm every question with a definitive answer before believing it to be true. This pertains to science and religion.

While I am convinced that science can explain many things in our world, I do not agree with ALL science. Darwin's theory of evolution for instance I believe to be flawed. I do believe (and it is proven) that all creatures do evolve. Humans adapt to their environments in order to survive. Not in a sense that they grow extra limbs, gills or tusks but consider how Mexicans can live in such a hot climate while British tourist collapse in the heat.

So science isn't perfect. But neither is the bible in my opinion. There is far too much in the bible that is vague and unexplained for me to accept as truth.

Anyways, let me focus on my question. A friend of mine is a priest. I speak with him often about texts from the bible. One day I was asking him about the garden of Eden. When I asked where the garden is/was as humans populate almost all of the planets surface (and Google Earth has photographed the rest) why do we not know where it is/was?

He said that the garden could have been a figurative place, a metaphor if you will, used as a means of explaining the story of how man came about learning the difference between good and evil.

I asked him that if this is true, is that not admitting that teaching people about a figurative place, as if it were a real place, a lie?

This become a very interesting topic to discuss with him and I have done a little research on this. some websites claim to have located where the garden used to be (see attached photo) based on texts from various places.

I'm not out to prove that the bible is a lie. Don't get me wrong. I think that the bible, like most other holy books from other religions is a means of leading people towards a life of physical, mental and spiritual growth and teaching them to lead good lives.

I'm merely curios to find answers. I blame my insatiable thirst for logical knowledge.

I look forward to your reply!

Answer
Hi Dan,

Thank-you for your question.

I do believe that the Garden of Eden was a literal place. However, it’s true, we do not know exactly where the Garden of Eden was located or whether at this time any trace of it would even remain. Some claim the Garden was in Palestine, some in Africa, some believe that the location may be under water now. Doubtless you’ve already read up on all of those suggestions.

So, truly, the only thing I have to tell you is that it comes down to the question of whether or not you are willing to trust God and believe that what He says is true. We are finite; we can’t know everything; in fact, there is very little that we actually can know. If we do not believe in God's revealed Word as the basis and starting point for all of our knowledge we can have no epistemological certainty at all. So that’s the toss-up: epistemological certainty and a few perplexing questions that we have to trust God on versus skepticism and a worldview which precludes the possibility of any knowledge at all. It is impossible to prove that the Bible is a lie since it is impossible to prove anything at all without first accepting the truth of Scripture.

I hope this is helpful to you

God bless!

Quentin Parker

Quentin Parker

Expertise

I would be happy to answer any questions regarding the interpretation of verses and passages in the Bible or about biblical doctrine. I believe that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God and that it provides us with everything we need for life and godliness.

Experience

I'm an ardent Bible scholar and I've studied hermeneutics, biblical doctrine, philosophy, Church history, and apologetics. I've counseled on numerous occasions alongside my pastor and elders, taught many Bible studies, and taught several classes on theology and biblical apologetics.

Education/Credentials
Master of Arts in Christian Studies (Christ College)

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