[Drolefille]

We discussed this in one of my college theology classes (Jesuit University, although not necessarily Jesuit theology). The more formal one, which I believe is first, is actually a Jewish hymn that post dates the rest of the Bible. The more casual one (the one that includes the tree) doesn't post date it, but reads to me almost like an Anansi story. God makes everyone, God says you can eat of any tree except this one, then puts tree in garden. (WHY WOULD YOU PUT THE TREE THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE?) Wacky antics ensue.

Anyway, to me that story was told to explain why bad things happen, why there is sin in the world, why others attack their clan. There's no definitive answer to this, although my teacher agreed with this interpretation.

I refuse to accept an interpretation that necessarily lowers God's abilities to a level at which we can completely comprehend them. God is much bigger than that.