God in the Garden: Understanding God's Love and the Sin that Changed the World

by Jim Miesner

Overview

Almost everyone knows the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden. We know about their temptation, fall, and the curse they brought upon the Earth. To Christians and Jews, however, it is more than just a story. It gives us insight into why we struggle with sin and why pain and suffering began. Ultimately, it is foundational to our understanding of sin and our relationship with God.

On the other side of the spectrum, there is a growing segment that not only considers the story a myth but elevates Adam and Eve to the role of heroes and puts God in the part of the villain. They reason Adam and Eve were simply seeking knowledge, and an omnipotent God unjustly punished them out of fear that they would rise to his level. In a world that worships knowledge above all else, this twisted understanding of the story makes sense.

This short book aims to understand why some believe this. How do they reason that God is sadistic? Why do they see Adam and Eve as heroes? Why in our modern age of reason and science do we so grossly misunderstand God? Ultimately, though, this book aims to show why such evil could befall the world in a moment of temptation and why God's allowing it was the most loving thing he could do.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940160994598
Publisher:	Jim Miesner
Publication date:	11/25/2021
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	987 KB

About the Author

I never really saw myself as someone who would be writing about theology. One, I’m not that smart, two, I’m not that smart, and three, it never really interested me all that much.

Throughout the past, I’ve always mostly kept my opinions to myself. While I know the Bible is true, I never really shared its truth or impact on my life as openly as I should. I always feared offending someone, being criticized, or simply creating an uncomfortable situation. I’ve been more concerned with the repercussions that came with sharing my faith than I have been with the repercussions of not sharing it.

As with all good stories, though, there comes a time when the main character realizes that they can’t go down the road they are on anymore. If ever there was a year that many of us learned this, it was in the isolationism of 2020. It was also highly evident by the unrest, lack of peace, and division that arose out of the lockdowns that we live in a post-Christian society.

I realized that if I, as a Christian, am too scared to say and do what God puts on my heart, what chance does the rest of the world have? That was when I decided to write this blog. I won’t always get everything right. In fact, I’ll probably be wrong a lot or say something stupid (as I do pretty consistently). Still, I pray that this simple blog not only glorifies God but provokes honest discussion about who God is, how he loves us, and what it means to submit to him. I pray it also challenges the beliefs of this world that so easily lead us away from seeking God (materialism, naturalism, humanism, etc.). Lastly, I pray that some may come to know Christ through it and find immeasurable peace and strength in that relationship.

Ultimately we all need to pursue God and what he puts on our hearts. He can give us incredible strength, peace, and wisdom. We can’t allow fear to stop us from sharing the faith or fall under the lie that the loving thing to do is to keep silent. This isn’t about us or our future. It’s not even about our children. It’s about pursuing what God puts on our hearts for the good of his Kingdom (no matter the consequences that result).

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. - Ephesians 6:12