The account of the garden of Eden is a teaching story of a type well known in the ancient near east. It is not literal, but symbolic, and it has a profound message for us.

Creation is good; evil was not part of creation. The same applies to humans. Men and women are created in equality and are part of each other. They both share in God's glory.

The sin of humans has always been 'self' - the idea that we are the centre of the universe and that we can do things without regard for others or God.

In the story, Adam and Eve did not trust God enough to be obedient - they took things into their own hands and did what they had been forbidden to do. People follow in their footsteps every day. Faith and trust will help us to avoid this.

Jesus insisted that all creation was good. People often think that evil or impurity is outside of them waiting to get in. In fact, they are within us always. Human sin is generated in the mind and heart of the individual. It is there that fear, greed, lust, and selfishness do their dark work. Rather than placing the blame outside of ourselves, we should look within.

If we want a better world, we must begin by cleaning our own house. We are free to choose each day which path we will take.