The Garden of Eden Post Reformation

The Adam and Eve narrative has been subjected to several different interpretations that have shaped the way we as humans view ourselves. Ironically, the narrative caused Reformation Christians to argue both for and against humanism.

In the time of The Renaissance and The Reformation, the idea of the divine being was the driver behind humanism. Authority was no longer limited to the sovereign state but extended to the sovereign individual. Men and women had more opportunity at this time in Europe than they had in a very long time. With this opportunity came the ability for mankind to create a value system for themselves and decide the most meaningful actions they could take to justify their suffering.  However, in light of easy access of the Bible, many read the Adam and Eve narrative and seemed to change their mind on the source of suffering and the state of being.

The genesis of man was key to Christian's post Reformation (1600-1700 AD) understanding of the nature of mankind. Their understanding was not in line with the Christian humanists from the beginnings of The Reformation (1400-1600 AD). Due to grossly oversimplified interpretations of the Garden of Eden narrative, the man was no longer a divine being. Mankind was interpreted as misogynistic, evil, and weak because of how people at the time interpreted Genisis. The impact that these interpretations nearly took society back to a feudal system like thinking as Hobbes famously made the argument that mankind desperately needed a strong governing force.

Despite the enlightening influences that came out of The Reformation, it came with its disadvantages. The truth that was meant to set people free, ended up putting them back in the 'evil' box they just escaped.



Image Credit: https://chrislinzey.com/2013/08/01/good-vs-evil/