I believe the account of Eden is figurative and might refer more to the War in Heaven than to events on this earth. (Sorry, no explanation here; maybe later.) Due largely to that perspective, I absolutely love the Garden account. I love even more Joseph Smith’s repositioning of the Garden narrative to his own life - in the Missouri revelation and even more so in the temple endowment. I love that the Garden of Eden now symbolically is less than two hours from my house (in TWO locations: Columbus, OH and Louisville, KY) - and that I can leave the lone and dreary world and visit Eden on a regular basis in my journey back to God.
It's one of my favorite concepts within Mormonism.
The Scream
1 week ago
8 comments:
Re: "no explanation here" - Any time you would like to share more Ray, I'm interested! One thing I absolutely love about the church is the symbolism that is so deep and continually gives.
That's interesting! Every time I visit the temple, I have a similar feeling, of the symbolism of the gardenof Eden.
adam, I'm thinking about it, but I just haven't felt like pulling the trigger yet. I do agree that the symbolism in Mormonism is MUCH broader and deeper than most members realize.
Polaris, I'm glad it resonates with you.
One of the many things that I'm left wondering about alone,in the sense that I fear discussing it with others in case I compromise their faith.I've loved Jung's view of the garden narrative,but had understood from my gospel education that I was supposed to believe that the story of Eden is literal.So this is opening up all kinds of interest for me.Love the doctrines of the kingdom and have no desire to mess with them,but find my puzzling very isolating.I'm really looking forward to a further discussion of this whenever you feel ready!
That's what's great about the internet anonymous! You can find safe places to explore things.
Nothing like pressure. *grin* I'll start thinking about how to tackle writing about my view of the Garden of Eden. It might take me a while to post something, but I'll start looking at it more seriously.
I agree with adam. One of the best things about the Mormon blogging world is the way we can share our perspectives more fully than can be done easily in group meetings. I'm glad you frequent my blog, anonymous, since I enjoy your perspective as much as I think you enjoy mine.
Papa D,
You might appreciate this comment which I posted years back:
http://www.newcoolthang.com/index.php/2005/10/monkey-man/151/#comment-6140
Very well laid out, Jeff. You've outlined the general details quite concisely.
I'll write out my own explanation at some point, but anyone who wants to get the general feel - read Jeff's link.
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