dado

the gnostic/mystic versions of x'ian salvation has always been with us - they are simply a rewording of the same mysticism in existence for as far back as we have records, from all over the globe. different languages, same result. unfortunately the "you are born flawed" concept is precisely what makes non-gnostic views of salvation such a powerful political tool.

i like what i've seen of your approach to catholicism: i wish it was the norm.

Magdlyn

All ancient cultures have their creation myths.

All are just as fantastic, weird and non-historical. If we keep that in mind, we need not take this one myth out of all others, quite so seriously. Even the other creation myth in Genesis contradicts this one. There is no sin, nothing forbidden, no power struggles, just "goodness." It simply creates the 6 day work week.

The A&E allegory, to me, is more specific than fall, or God's desire for us, or something about "sin."

Ancient herding/farming people told this story around their campfires to answer these questions:

How did we get here?

Now that we are here, what should we do, and why?

Why are men and women attracted to one another?

Why are men superior to women?

Why do we have to work so hard?

Why does giving birth hurt so much?

Even, why do we wear clothes for modesty's sake?

The snake and the trees were common symbols of the goddess religion that this culture was trying to replace. Her wisdom was seen as suspect. Eve is given a comeuppance when she follows the Goddess's suggestions. It is now time for women to be in subjection to men.

Since we are not longer ancient herding/farming people, do we really need to worry so much about the meaning of this old story, and whether is is at all relevant to our lives?

dado

no - but we need myths, so until something better becomes popular we're stuck with it.

gregor

It's turtles all the way down.

Chili

To be born again, spirit filled and whatever else that goes along with it but having to die first before anything good can happen to you. These are those now divided in the saver sinner complex and will remain there because they have started something they can't finish (no matter how much they "fear and tremble)."

Chili

Are you suggesting that 'modern cultures' never become ancient? That's to bad because on the seventh day evening did not follow the day (as it did on the first six days) and that would make sunday the everlasting seventh day with no more mondays to ruin our holy-day.

Toto

highpriestess's posts and their replies have been moved to a separate thread, since they seemed to be a diversion from the OP.