Abinadi used emotionally forceful language to describe fallen humanity. "Carnal, sensual, and devilish" conveys our physical constitution, our instinctive perceptions and reactions, and our consequent wrong decisions. He says that God has provided redemption which can be claimed only by those who are willing to stop persisting in this condition.
The Primordial Transgression: Jewish and Christian Readings
Like Lehi, most interpreters of Genesis 3 see it as an origin story for human suffering. But they have drawn many different conclusions about agency, human nature, and the need for a Savior. Distinguishing the original text from its interpretations prepares us to understand what Book of Mormon prophets taught about the Fall.
Two Trees: Lehi on Opposition and Agency
Lehi views the explusion of Eden not as a tragic loss but as a decision which enabled agency. Eve and Adam chose a bitter fruit which introduced sorrow and death, but which opened the door for the Mediator to offer happiness and life.
The Fall of Adam and Eve
The Fall of Adam and Eve was important to Book of Mormon prophets. Lehi, Benjamin, Alma, Samuel,and Moroni all elaborated on this important event, explaining how it informs our decision-making, our perception of mortality, and our understanding of God's plan for His children.
The Fall and the Temple
By partaking of the forbidden fruit, Adam and Eve introduced not only physical death but also spiritual death into the world: they were immediately separated from God's presence. He would no longer walk in their garden and have periodic face to face conversations with them. Alma said, "It was expedient that mankind should be reclaimed... Continue Reading →
Mother Eve
Among the biblical characters Joseph F. Smith saw in his vision of the Redemption of the Dead, was "our glorious Mother Eve" (Doctrine and Covenants 138:39). In the Hebrew Bible, her name appears as Chavvah (חַוָּה), which means "life." She was given this name because she was "the mother of all living," or in other... Continue Reading →
The Ancient of Days
With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding.Job 12:12 There are many reasons for us to love and respect Adam and Eve. As the first man and woman on the earth, they pioneered the way for us, learning by experience so many things which we take for granted.They made our mortal experience possible, making... Continue Reading →
Why Did Adam and Eve Have to Break a Commandment of God? – 2 Nephi 2:15-25
Lehi taught his son Jacob that the Fall of Adam and Eve was a necessary step for their happiness and for ours. He explained what would have happened if they had not eaten the forbidden fruit: Everything would have been stagnant, unchanging. Adam and Eve would not have had children. They would not have experienced joy... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Clarify?
This is the fifth of six posts answering a set of questions recommended by President Russell M. Nelson. So far, I have written about what the Book of Mormon is, what it affirms, what it refutes, and what it fulfills. Today, I will write about what it clarifies. As I wrote yesterday, the Book of... Continue Reading →
What Are the Two “Provocations” Discussed by Alma?
To provoke someone is to incite them to action by arousing a strong emotion, usually anger (Oxford English Dictionary). Psalm 95 describes a provocation. The children of Israel provoked the wrath of God by following Moses reluctantly out of Egypt, by complaining incessantly during their journey, and finally by refusing to enter the promised land because... Continue Reading →