Question

Scripture provides us stories for understanding humanity. Comment on what each of the following biblical stories tell us about what it means to be human for Adam and Eve and Cane and Abel

Answer 1

Note: This response is in UK English, please paste the response to MS Word and you should be able to spot discrepancies easily. You may elaborate the answer based on personal views or your classwork if necessary.

(Answer) Let us first assume the philosophy that “one cannot con an honest man.” This is because a conman would generally play on the weaknesses and greed of an individual, make them an enticing offer and take them for what they’ve got. Although, individuals can be conned because of their gullibility, through which they might offer money to a con man. In such a situation, it is the individual’s benevolence that might “reward” them and not incur a loss in the long run.

If one considers the prior rule, it is evident that Eve and Adam did have a few insecurities that the serpent presumably used to his advantage. Perhaps, Eve sustained a particular thirst for power and ambition that led her to succumb to the apple and Adam would have had his own insecurities and inferiorities that led him to thirst for a wisdom like that of the creator. The apple in this story is more like a “pseudo promise” for all of these shortcomings in Adam and Eve to be fulfilled only through one bite. The serpent would not have been able to temp Adam or Eve if they were secure and complete individuals who embraced their shortcomings. Such individuals rarely feel insecure or greedy for progress and power and hence cannot easily be tempted.

Furthermore, considering that the apple or any external elements could not cement their shortcomings, goes to show that a feeling of security and peace comes from within. The biblical story goes to show that contentment cannot be achieved through external solutions, material objects or pleasing circumstances but rather, through introspect and self-acceptance.

Cain and Abel were siblings and the children of Adam and Eve. Abel was favoured more than his brother Cain. Abel’s offering to God received laurels, which made Cain jealous. In a fit of jealousy, Cain kills Abel. This story is perhaps a reiteration of the story of Adam and Eve. Insecurities got the best of Cain, which manifested itself in the form of extreme jealousy that led him to kill his own brother.

Stories in the Bible emphasise the importance of self-actualisation, like the top tier of Maslow’s Needs Hierarchy Pyramid. Without introspection, self-healing and calibrating one’s temperament, it is not possible to avoid falling prey to negative emotions and temptations.