Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden

I was at a social gathering.  A discussion began at the table on doctrinal religion, sacraments.  I love religious discussion.  The man seated to my right identified himself as a minister.  He asked my religion.  I told him I was raised a Lutheran, went to Catholic School and am now a member of a Presbyterian church, but I consider myself to be a Bible-reading Christian. 

He said the problem with reading the Bible is it is subject to so much interpretation.  We are not reading it in its original language, nor do we read it in the context of the times.  For example, did I realize the 7 hills referred to in Revelations was Rome?  That made sense, I agreed.  I commented Revelations is difficult prophetic reading.  I have not focused much on it.

What did I focus on?  He asked.  I said let’s start at the beginning, Adam and Eve in the Garden.  I never tire of reading that story.  He said that story comes out of Sumeria.  Have I ever read about Sumeria?  I have not.  He said I should.  I will. 

He asked what I got out of Adam and Eve.  So many things.  Like what?  The tendency of human beings to make self-destructive choices.  The power of free will coupled with the dichotomy of good and evil.  The tendency of humans to fail to obey the direction of God who created and provided for them.  The tendency of humans to blame someone else for their own poor choices.

“That’s not what that story is about.”  He told me.

“What’s it about?”  I asked.

“Sex, it’s about sex.  They found out they were naked and they discovered sex.  That’s what the story is about.”

Men.