Genesis 3-5: Parricide, Progeny, Feminism and the Beginning of Civilization

Chapter 3 -5 covers the first sin, the first murder, and how prolific breeders we humans can be.

I had mixed feelings when I was reading chapter 3. As a story, it's great and as I Christian, I now understand better why God had the banish Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden. It's the first chapter that clearly illustrated what sin is, why it's bad, and why going against God's wisdom has serious consequences.

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What I don't like about chapter 3 is how it's often been used to justify treating women like second class citizens. How some men claim that we can never be as good as men because we led men to sin.

I wish that people would see beyond Eve's gender and look at the true message of this chapter. Yes, Eve was used as an intrument as sin but the purpose of this chapter was to show the nature of sin and the consequences of sin. When we doubt God's wisdom, we sin. When we trust our own judgement over God's wisdom, we sin. Regardless of our gender or species (poor snakes), we are all sinners. We're all equal on that aspect. So, misogynists and snake haters, get over it.

The story of Cain and Abel made me wonder. Cain killed Able out of jealousy, because Abel's offerings were favored by God. But if he didn't kill Abel and just let it slide, would he have eventually won God's favor? Or could it be that God saw Cain's murderous intent in his heart and that's why He didn't accept Cain's offering? Makes you think, huh?

The story also reminded me of a story where God's curse on Cain actually made him immortal. Nobody wanted to kill him, afraid of God's wrath. Even Death was afraid to touch him. I think it was a story from the "Twilight Zone".

But if it were me, I'd use that story as a starting point for a graphic novel or TV series. Cain, the first murderer, immortal, seeks redemption by performing good acts. His never-ending effort to seek God's forgiveness and find redemption. Like Constantine, but hopefully with a better actor. What do you think? If any of you do develop a graphic novel or TV series, a little credit would be nice. =)

When I was younger, I did try to read the Bible. I remember I fell asleep reading Genesis chapter 5. It listed the decendants of Adam, how Adam beget Seth beget Enosh beget etc. I admit, this chapter still bored me but now it made more sense. For one, the names were familiar so I knew I'd be seeing them again soon (here's looking at you Noah). I'm also thankful that only the main sons were mentioned. Imagine if all the sons and daughters were listed down. Genesis would need its own library.