AboutMartin W. Eldred Expertise I have been a Lutheran Christian for 47 years and a Lutheran pastor for almost 19. I can answer most general questions about Luther, Lutheran History, Lutheran Theology, and a Lutheran approach to Biblical Interpretation. I am ELCA, for those who know what that means, and I tend to be moderate theologically. I hope that I can converse with those that are either more conservative or liberal than I, and especially with those who are really just seeking.
Experience Pastors are "generalists" and generally have a working knowledge on many subjects. We are also used to working with a variety of answers from a variety of people. I teach a great deal, especially in the area ofthe New Testament. I particulalry enjoy the Pauline literature.
Organizations I have been a member of the Society of Biblical Literature, an international gathering of biblical scholars and teachers, since the late 1980s.
Publications I have written a few book reviews for the journal, "Lutheran Quarterly."
Education/Credentials I have a B.A. from Pacific Lutheran University in Religion (Biblical Studies)and a Master of Divinity from Wartburg Theological Seminary.
Question If God didn't want Adam and Eve to eat the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil why did He create it? Secondly isn't it a good thing to know the difference between good and evil?
Answer Alex:
Thank you for your great question. It does seem as if God is setting up Adam and Eve, doesn't it? We all know how hard it is to resist something when we are told specifically not to touch it. It seems to me that the overall point, however, is a boundary had been established between the humans (creatures) and the God (Creator). This boundary is what is meant to separate us from God, so that we remember that we are not in charge, that we are gifted enough to be in charge, and the Creation works better when God is in charge--that is when God is God nd we are God's people.
The serpent picks up on this when he promises dam and Eve that the knowledge of good and evil would make them "like (equal to) God". In short, it is a coup attempt by the man and the woman, instigated by the serpent.
Of course it fails, because the serpent fails to tell the whole truth: that they are not equipped to handle the knowledge--it was intended for God alone. Perhaps the tree was there are a reminded of God's care for them, that God would worry about the Creator-type problems, and they could go ahead and live as creatures in the joy that was given them. Anyway, we all know what happened afterwards: armed with the knowledge, but not enough of the maturity and strenth, we made a pretty decent mess of things. The knowledgle we receievd only helps to fuel our constant and crippling sense of guilt and shame.
