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Eve and Adam: Discovering the Beautiful Balance
As the first who chose to cross the threshold into mortality, Eve is truly the personification of life. To understand her mission, we must first recognize Eve’s proper, elevated place � a noble position beside Adam, with a beautiful, balanced interdependence between them. Their example of enthusiastically embracing mortality with all its accompanying challenges provides meaning, encouragement, and direction for each of us along our complex and sometimes thorny paths home.
“For millennia,� writes author Melinda Brown, “the world has dismissed the story of Adam and Eve as simply a choice between good and evil, with the obvious conclusion the Eve chose evil. But on much closer inspection, we can discover, and lead others to discover, that the choice was in fact between certainty and uncertainty, security and risk, fear and faith. Eve’s most remarkable choice had everything to do with stagnation versus progress. Hers was a decision to trust God.�
With its in-depth examination of the scriptural account Eve and Adam provides an opportunity for deep pondering and reflection on our own mortal experience and how they draw us, step by step, toward exaltation.
“For millennia,� writes author Melinda Brown, “the world has dismissed the story of Adam and Eve as simply a choice between good and evil, with the obvious conclusion the Eve chose evil. But on much closer inspection, we can discover, and lead others to discover, that the choice was in fact between certainty and uncertainty, security and risk, fear and faith. Eve’s most remarkable choice had everything to do with stagnation versus progress. Hers was a decision to trust God.�
With its in-depth examination of the scriptural account Eve and Adam provides an opportunity for deep pondering and reflection on our own mortal experience and how they draw us, step by step, toward exaltation.
204 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2020
73 people are currently reading
697 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
August 30, 2020
This book gave clarity to a lot of misconceptions that I've heard growing up about Adam and Eve's story through the scriptures and words of prophets and apostles. I especially appreciate the notes about different words that could have been used in translation, cultural context of the time, and insights from JST translations.
December 31, 2020
What I love about this book is the beautiful way in articulates just why Eve is a hero to our faith. She wasn't weak. She wasn't misguided. She was courageous. She saw what needed to be done - must be done - and then stepped forth and did it, despite the uncertainty of what would come before her. She is loved and revered in other faiths but also condemned for her actions. We have no condemnation. A lot of the material in the book was familiar to me, but I also learned things I hadn't known or it filled in parts of Eve's story that weren't complete for me.
Adam {and Eve} fell that MEN MIGHT BE.
Adam {and Eve} fell that MEN MIGHT BE.
September 26, 2021
“When we are presented with pairs, like these two trees, our minds often slot them into a dualistic structure, taking a mental shortcut to make sense of their relationship. We dichotomize them, even if applying a complementary framework might prove a better fit. This seems to have been the sad fate of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. When seen as the opposite of the marvelous tree of life, the tree of knowledge of good and evil looks like the dreadful tree of death. But it doesn’t make sense that delicious, desirable, essential fruit would come from a terrible tree. A closer look at its name helps restore respect to this equally precious tree.�
January 11, 2021
(I should have bought a copy of this book because I wanted to mark it up and I wish I was going to be able to go back to it over and over.)
So much of what I read just reaffirmed what I already knew and believed about Eve. But there were definitely new insights. I loved the word studies...such as ezer kenegdo. I loved the chapter on Thorns and Thistles and the research by Dr. Kolb. I read every single footnote and often there were gems in the footnotes. This was extensively researched and contained so many beautiful insights.
So much of what I read just reaffirmed what I already knew and believed about Eve. But there were definitely new insights. I loved the word studies...such as ezer kenegdo. I loved the chapter on Thorns and Thistles and the research by Dr. Kolb. I read every single footnote and often there were gems in the footnotes. This was extensively researched and contained so many beautiful insights.
October 18, 2020
A fine summary and analysis of Latter-day Saint doctrine regarding the Fall in light of contemporary teachings and concerns about gender equality. Clarifies and advances a more central role for Eve, and complements research with a personal and devotional tone. For LDS readers mainly.
January 6, 2021
I greatly appreciated this book. So much misogyny and mistreatment of women is justified by the incorrect interpretation of Adam and Eve and what took place in the garden of Eden.
August 12, 2021
I especially loved the last chapter of this book. I also loved the arguments in defense of Eve.
May 11, 2025
An in-depth look at The Garden of Eden and the people who lived there.
Perfect. So many insights. This is exactly what I was looking for. It gives a closer look at Eve and her story.
Perfect. So many insights. This is exactly what I was looking for. It gives a closer look at Eve and her story.
January 31, 2022
I loved this book. It reaffirmed things I knew and believed and I learned so much too. Loved the Hebrew word meanings. Clarifies so much about the scriptures and Adam and Eve in particular. Everybody should read this book!
July 8, 2020
This was a great book on Adam and Eve. The topic of Adam and Eve has been a favorite of mine in the last two years and this book reflected my thoughts as I have studied the choice made in Eden. Some of my favorite parts of the book:
"Since man tends toward independence, a nudge there might tempt him to neglect his duties to protect and provide for his family. Since women typically values camaraderie, a jab there might induce her to relinquish her rights in order to keep the peace necessary for a nurturing environment. Satan would have us believe the lie that male female relationships are like a zero sum game. That if one wins the other loses. If one is built up the other must necessarily be torn down. His evil meddling and manipulation result in a syndrom of serious societal ills that disproportionally target and harm women. These include sexual harassment, domestic violence and rape, physical objectification and pornography, etc."
"... the choice was between certainty and uncertainty, security and risk, fear and faith. Eve's most remarkable choice had everything to do with stagnation verses progress. Hers was a decision to trust God. In a profound way Eve represents all of us. On close examination we see ourselves reflected in her faith. We each chose mortality even knowing it would be hard and often painful, because we trusted our divine council..."
"That fruit (something that needs to be ingested) whether literal or figurative, or some blend of the two contained certain elements essential for growth and development. Elements that could not be acquired in any way other way other than the choice to partake."
"Could it be that this divine desire to create, not just to create children, but to create anything had something to do with Heavenly Father's directive to Adam and Eve to be fruitful as well as something to do with Eve's decision to partake? After all, the vast majority of times we read of scriptural fruit it is in relationship to action, deeds, and doings. By their fruits ye shall know them."
"The prophet Joseph Smith taught, the word Elohim ought to be plural all the way through, Gods...
Perhaps the name Elohim represents our Heavenly Parents."
"God in the scriptures repeatedly called the work, GOOD. Now at it's culmination with the introduction of the complimentary and unified male and female and the bestowal of the great blessings earth would allow them, GOOD is significantly elevated to VERY GOOD. This description implies that not only did our first parents begin life in a state of VERY GOOD, but that each child born to earth begins life, VERY GOOD..."
"We read that God called THEIR name Adam... President Kimball said, 'Man here is always plural, it was plural from the beginning'. Complete man is husband and wife."
"Valerie Hudson Cassler shared her understanding that the tree of knowledge of good and evil, or the mortality tree might symbolize the role and power of women in the great plan of happiness.
If so Dr. Cassler believes the choice to first partake of the fruit was rightfully Eves, those who would bear the responsibility of bringing all of the children through the doorway and risk their life in this task had the right to make that decision."
"Since man tends toward independence, a nudge there might tempt him to neglect his duties to protect and provide for his family. Since women typically values camaraderie, a jab there might induce her to relinquish her rights in order to keep the peace necessary for a nurturing environment. Satan would have us believe the lie that male female relationships are like a zero sum game. That if one wins the other loses. If one is built up the other must necessarily be torn down. His evil meddling and manipulation result in a syndrom of serious societal ills that disproportionally target and harm women. These include sexual harassment, domestic violence and rape, physical objectification and pornography, etc."
"... the choice was between certainty and uncertainty, security and risk, fear and faith. Eve's most remarkable choice had everything to do with stagnation verses progress. Hers was a decision to trust God. In a profound way Eve represents all of us. On close examination we see ourselves reflected in her faith. We each chose mortality even knowing it would be hard and often painful, because we trusted our divine council..."
"That fruit (something that needs to be ingested) whether literal or figurative, or some blend of the two contained certain elements essential for growth and development. Elements that could not be acquired in any way other way other than the choice to partake."
"Could it be that this divine desire to create, not just to create children, but to create anything had something to do with Heavenly Father's directive to Adam and Eve to be fruitful as well as something to do with Eve's decision to partake? After all, the vast majority of times we read of scriptural fruit it is in relationship to action, deeds, and doings. By their fruits ye shall know them."
"The prophet Joseph Smith taught, the word Elohim ought to be plural all the way through, Gods...
Perhaps the name Elohim represents our Heavenly Parents."
"God in the scriptures repeatedly called the work, GOOD. Now at it's culmination with the introduction of the complimentary and unified male and female and the bestowal of the great blessings earth would allow them, GOOD is significantly elevated to VERY GOOD. This description implies that not only did our first parents begin life in a state of VERY GOOD, but that each child born to earth begins life, VERY GOOD..."
"We read that God called THEIR name Adam... President Kimball said, 'Man here is always plural, it was plural from the beginning'. Complete man is husband and wife."
"Valerie Hudson Cassler shared her understanding that the tree of knowledge of good and evil, or the mortality tree might symbolize the role and power of women in the great plan of happiness.
If so Dr. Cassler believes the choice to first partake of the fruit was rightfully Eves, those who would bear the responsibility of bringing all of the children through the doorway and risk their life in this task had the right to make that decision."
April 12, 2025
I’ve been excited to read this book since I heard an interview with the author on a podcast that I subscribe to. My wife had bought a copy March 2020. It was somehow different that I expected, but it was what I should have expected.
Misunderstanding of what happened in the Garden of Eden has caused mankind to fail to understand the exalted position of women. “God’s image is only fully reflected in both man and woman. When we exclude women, we exclude part of God. When we put women down, we tarnish the image of God." (Page xii, quoting Christine Caine)
Here are a few things I found in this book. The author is not to blame for my misunderstanding (or failure to understand the whole message.) This is my little attempt to summarize what I noticed.
* Men generally are self centered. Women are typically community centered
* Eve’s choice was not between good and evil. It was between certainty and uncertainty
* Partaking of the forbidden fruit was not a sin, it was necessary for man(kind) to progress
* Eve and Adam were and are equal partners
* It’s not just about Eve and Adam. It’s about our purpose here and our journey through mortality
The truths in this book are documented with
* Linguistic evidence
* Scriptural evidence
* Statements of biblical (and other) experts
* Statements of modern prophets
We don’t need to take her word for it. We can do our own research and come to our own understanding.
* Each chapter has extensive end notes typically running to multiple pages
* An eleven page bibliography
Table of Contents
Introduction: Eternal Progression
1. The Power of a Story
2. Fruit
3. Plan A (Satan did not cause God to go to plan B.)
4. The Measure of Our Creation
5. Side by Side
6. The Garden of God
7. The Crucial Conflict
8. Nakedness
9. Thorns and Thistles
10. According to the Flesh
11. Complementary Nature
12. Divine Collaboration
Epilogue: Embracing Live with courage
Appendix (three of them containing the text of three scriptural accounts from Genesis, Moses, and Abraham)
Bibliography (eleven pages)
Index
Misunderstanding of what happened in the Garden of Eden has caused mankind to fail to understand the exalted position of women. “God’s image is only fully reflected in both man and woman. When we exclude women, we exclude part of God. When we put women down, we tarnish the image of God." (Page xii, quoting Christine Caine)
Here are a few things I found in this book. The author is not to blame for my misunderstanding (or failure to understand the whole message.) This is my little attempt to summarize what I noticed.
* Men generally are self centered. Women are typically community centered
* Eve’s choice was not between good and evil. It was between certainty and uncertainty
* Partaking of the forbidden fruit was not a sin, it was necessary for man(kind) to progress
* Eve and Adam were and are equal partners
* It’s not just about Eve and Adam. It’s about our purpose here and our journey through mortality
The truths in this book are documented with
* Linguistic evidence
* Scriptural evidence
* Statements of biblical (and other) experts
* Statements of modern prophets
We don’t need to take her word for it. We can do our own research and come to our own understanding.
* Each chapter has extensive end notes typically running to multiple pages
* An eleven page bibliography
Table of Contents
Introduction: Eternal Progression
1. The Power of a Story
2. Fruit
3. Plan A (Satan did not cause God to go to plan B.)
4. The Measure of Our Creation
5. Side by Side
6. The Garden of God
7. The Crucial Conflict
8. Nakedness
9. Thorns and Thistles
10. According to the Flesh
11. Complementary Nature
12. Divine Collaboration
Epilogue: Embracing Live with courage
Appendix (three of them containing the text of three scriptural accounts from Genesis, Moses, and Abraham)
Bibliography (eleven pages)
Index
May 8, 2020
4.5 rounded up to 5.0
I listend to Melinda Wheelwright Brown on the All In podcast (with Morgan Jones - - side note: one of my favorite podcasts I listen to) and really loved some of her insights into Eve and wanted to read her book. Some really great information and insights; I loved how everything was footnoted and documented.
I listend to Melinda Wheelwright Brown on the All In podcast (with Morgan Jones - - side note: one of my favorite podcasts I listen to) and really loved some of her insights into Eve and wanted to read her book. Some really great information and insights; I loved how everything was footnoted and documented.
April 9, 2024
I read this for a class. I liked parts of this book. The first few chapters were great, particularly when discussing the unfortunate effects of misinterpreting Eve. The author addressed the sexism and misogyny of our modern world. I was excited to read this book at the beginning and hoped for more of that to be addressed. But after the first 3 chapters or so it felt like I was reading a long long conference talk with a lot of theology. I would’ve liked more social science or action agendas to improve how things are for women. Rather, the majority of the book was just on various theological ideas connected to the Fall with less emphasis on Eve and women in the church.
What really got me is persistent use of the “complementary� argument. This is where many members of the church claim that women and men have innate dispositional differences in their personalities and natures that complement each other but are distinctly different. I believe that a lot of misogyny is hidden in the “different but complementary roles� argument. I really believe that differences are socialized, not innate.
At the beginning I felt the author was championing up women in historical and modern times, but by the end I felt like I was at another lecture that was reminding me that our “roles� as women are important too. I was a bit disappointed. I do appreciate how many references were used in this book though.
What really got me is persistent use of the “complementary� argument. This is where many members of the church claim that women and men have innate dispositional differences in their personalities and natures that complement each other but are distinctly different. I believe that a lot of misogyny is hidden in the “different but complementary roles� argument. I really believe that differences are socialized, not innate.
At the beginning I felt the author was championing up women in historical and modern times, but by the end I felt like I was at another lecture that was reminding me that our “roles� as women are important too. I was a bit disappointed. I do appreciate how many references were used in this book though.
August 19, 2024
This was perhaps not what I thought it was going to be, but I still had some good insights.
� Marriage is an institution of Heaven
� Eve was formed from Adam’s rib. He was incomplete without her
� Adam and Eve were instructed in the garden of the Plan of Salvation. They were not ignorant when they fell. They knew that they would have a way to return to their Father in Heaven
� Eve was the first to partake of the fruit, as each of her daughters would usher souls into mortality—birth.
� Don’t live parallel lives with your spouse, be united
� If you see one step before you, take it. Do not wait until you can see the path before you.
� He blesses us in every way, save removing the trial � We were incomplete without the Plan!
� "No one has been asked to climb solo. "
� Marriage is an institution of Heaven
� Eve was formed from Adam’s rib. He was incomplete without her
� Adam and Eve were instructed in the garden of the Plan of Salvation. They were not ignorant when they fell. They knew that they would have a way to return to their Father in Heaven
� Eve was the first to partake of the fruit, as each of her daughters would usher souls into mortality—birth.
� Don’t live parallel lives with your spouse, be united
� If you see one step before you, take it. Do not wait until you can see the path before you.
� He blesses us in every way, save removing the trial � We were incomplete without the Plan!
� "No one has been asked to climb solo. "
July 31, 2021
This book had a few interesting insights but I am still not committed to the idea of separate and distinct gender roles, which this book commits to wholeheartedly. I also don't think you have to believe in a literal Eve and Adam - I think faithful people can view it as a methaphor/allegory (not taking sides on that). I do like that the author emphasizes the positive aspects of Eve's choice and views it as something that moves humanity forward (which is a somewhat unique perspective held by many members of the LDS faith). My primary takeaway was that I wanted to read many of the sources the author cites for further info.
April 10, 2022
I hoped to find new insights into the Adam and Eve story from this book and I did, but gained so much more than that. The way the author applies the trials and triumphs of Adam and Eve's stories to our own lives was powerful. I learned so much about the divine gift of agency and the way learning from challenging experiences is more durable than learning that comes easily. I love the way the author brings Heavenly Mother into the story and sheds light on equality in marriage and gender.
I now have a more educated, holistic, nuanced view of the story of Adam and Eve.
I now have a more educated, holistic, nuanced view of the story of Adam and Eve.
November 20, 2023
This first part of this book was difficult for me to engage with, as it was mostly composed of review for me mixed with the occasional novel explanation or new truth. The last few chapters, however, were just what I needed.
For anyone less familiar with the doctrine of Adam and Eve, I think this is a must read—engaging prose, thorough explanations, examples, and analogies, with clearly cited sources at the end of each chapter. There are a few passages which I will keep close to my soul and review frequently in the future, for which I’m grateful.
For anyone less familiar with the doctrine of Adam and Eve, I think this is a must read—engaging prose, thorough explanations, examples, and analogies, with clearly cited sources at the end of each chapter. There are a few passages which I will keep close to my soul and review frequently in the future, for which I’m grateful.
December 15, 2020
A well-written tribute to the harmony of male/female duality. I especially appreciated the wholistic approach to the Plan of Salvation in relation to the contributions that women and men each make, laid out in its entirety from pre-mortality to exaltation. Hopeful and enlightening content that is becoming more and more necessary - especially in teaching the rising generation.
September 8, 2021
Melinda Wheelwright Brown's book gives the reader a clearer picture of Eve and Adam as full partners than previously written and presumed. Eve made the courageous decision to act, and Adam followed suit to progress as a family, bringing children to the world, recognizing good and evil, and eventually returning to God. This book is for anyone who wants to have a deeper understanding of Eve and her divine power as the Mother of All Living.
July 31, 2020
Im on my third read/listen of this book! I listened twice and then had to buy the hard copy to highlight and mark the entire book up! Such a phenomenal book!!! I just can’t stop pondering such powerful truths and insights!!
December 17, 2022
This is a well-researched book! I appreciated the footnotes and the faithful exploration of Adam and Eve’s experience in Eden. Thank you Melinda!! I could read this over and over again and I will (this was already my second time)
August 21, 2023
My understanding of Eve and Adam has certainly been magnified! So many misconceptions about Eve that were cleared up for me. I have heard the author speak at a conference and she is amazing. Extensive amount of research done in this book. Highly recommend!
May 10, 2020
Beautiful and insightful
November 8, 2021
Everyone needs to read this book! ❤️
January 11, 2022
4.5* So much to think about with this book. I highlighted & noted so many things in it & will revisit it again.
March 24, 2022
Wonderful insight. A must read.
August 18, 2022
Excellent overview!
July 29, 2024
Introduction: Nature abhors a vacuum. Empty space is quickly filled. Hole in doctrinal knowledge filled in by Satan. Without the family, there is no plan, no reason for mortal life. Earth provides place for family to live; fall provided a way for family to grow; atonement allows for families to have eternal growth or perfection (Julie B. Beck). Assault on man or woman hurts both and simultaneously hurts children. Valerie M Hudson: More lives are lost in violence against women than in all the wars of the 20th century. We were meant to win together. Eve’s choice was between security/insecurity, fear/faith, certainty/uncertainty. Exaltation is a lifelong journey.
1/The Power of a Story: stories are a fundamental way that we learn. Stories can change us (internalization/interpretation/application). Position of powerlessness to position of possibility. Origin story Illuminates past, present, and future. Adam and Eve is a non-fiction story. Language is a source of misunderstanding, especially with scripture (transcription/translation/interpretation/redaction � removal of info). Members can use different versions of the Bible to understand meaning. Cultural bias: read scripture for our own when and where. Recognize author’s intentions.
2/Fruit: nature of fruit (not an apple) powerful symbol of her story (taste and smell). Latin word for apple = evil. Fruit is Sweet/healthy/good form of energy. We want to eat more of sweet things (K/Na/sucrose). Vitamins need to be ingested (or partaken of), cannot be made by the body. We learn about tree of (eternal) life (Christ’s cross made of it/menorah shaped like tree) and tree of knowledge of good and evil (death/mortality experience). BH Roberts: tree of knowledge of good and evil is pleasant to sight and good for food. We chose mortality as Eve chose the Fall.
3/Plan A: Author purchased house made by a draftsman, not an architect. Figure it out as we go along, may have to come up with plan B. Heavenly Father is a master architect of the plan of happiness. They did it that man might be. Enable spirit children to advance and grow. We are his children, not his creations. Tad McCalister: Can a creation become like it’s creator? No. God’s divine character is his commitment to truth and goodness (cannot lie or deceive). They cannot help but bless us. All these things shall give me experience and is for my good. Agency (personal responsibility) is God’s greatest gift to man. Gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan of action. Agency for all = various degrees of suffering for all. Adam and Eve were pure and noble. Eve was of like stature, capacity and intelligence. Micheal means he who is like God. Christ is the great high priest and Adam is next. Archangel = chief angel. Abraham 3:22 noble and great ones (Eve). The decision to be born was our own.
4/The Measure of Our Creation: Pivot points � butterfly expert arrives in heaven and asks to know more about butterflies. D&C 59 magnificent earth for unto this end were they made. Mortal experience made possible by physical bodies and physical realm in which we live. Purpose of earth is to allow training to prepare us for Godliness. Phases of creation: all things created spiritually (in heaven) before physically. Paradisiacal requires a change before they can have children. Law and Order undergird all creations. We have to move within parameters of natural law (gravity, natural consequences). Differentiation involves designing, separating, categorizing, divided, gathered (light/dark, ground/sea, heaven/earth, grasses/herbs/trees). Beauty of variety at zoo or an aquarium. We all desire to participate in creation. Lord’s creation is not complete without our work (gardens we grow, meals we make). We must take action to make progress (choose his help through doing). Fruitfulness is the conduit to growth.
5/Side by Side: art requires balance; the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Significant pronouns � plural pronouns (our/us). Them referring to Eve and Adam (coupled twosome). God saw everything he had made and said it was very good (Adam/Eve/all others born). We should be known as earthy (natural � wo we can become) man. Genesis 2:4-25 helpmeet (gives cause to dominate women), intention was balanced interdependence. Adam created from dust/dirt (Adam means earth � and is plural � meaning both of them) and Eve from rib (side � Eve made of same substance � side by side). Complete man is husband and wife. Camille Fronk: If Eve came from head (over Adam); came from feet (servant). Mother of all living (bearer of life). Rescuer or deliverer would be a better term than helpmeet. Marriage is institute of heaven started in the Garden of Eden (performed by deity). Cleave � 2 meanings diametrically opposed: part/divide and stick/cling; what began as two became one.
6/The Garden of God: Life is one big adventure (exhilarating and terrifying). Eden’s (delight/pleasure) sacred garden is a place where time stood still. Temple garden to tutor them. They received revelation and ordinances. Dress and keep garden (priesthood responsibilities � serve and protect � first temple president and matron). Garden living (veil of mortality) was a period of great learning; God conversed with Adam face to face. Innocence (lack of experience) and knowledge are not mutually exclusive. Knowledge is a prerequisite of agency (accountability is understanding based). He did not know pain and sorrow. Needed to leave garden to gain experience. They were prepared to act because of their faith in the Savior.
7/The crucial Conflict: every one of our stories has conflict. Agency/loving heavenly parents/perfect plan are the bedrock of this story. Conflict is crucial. Adam and Eve’s conflict: Should � fruitful and multiply, dominion over living thing. Should not - not to partake of tree of knowledge of good and evil. Adam and Eve are placed in ideal circumstances for ideal growth. God wants the very best for his children; so he warns them. Transgression (not sin � which is inherently wrong) means to pass or cross over. Commandment to not partake of fruit was a lesser law (procreation was higher law). Satan adds further conflict (introduces uncertainty). Inexperienced in deception; only have communicated with the truthful. This decision places them on the lifelong path of becoming. Giving birth is an honor given to women (mortality tree); right to partake is Eve’s as the mother bearing children. Adam (eternity tree) as priesthood holder.
8/Nakedness: Eating fruit = Consequence of mortal life. Genesis 3:7 (eyes of both were open/knew they were naked). Problem solving: sewed fig leaves and made aprons. Seeds represent fertility. Green in lacking experience. Satan adds shame (forces us into darkness to hide). Guilt (humility) says repair. We find ourselves figuratively naked before God. Eve maintains autonomy and agency: I did eat. Enmity could be light of Christ. Sorrow (painful) labor. Husband rule over (translation - rule with) by means of priesthood. Coats of skin (much better than aprons) represents atonement of Jesus Christ. Eastward departure is toward God.
9/Thorns and Thistles: Kolb’s Experiential learning by intellectual growth/self-reflection/new revised knowledge which better equips student for the next experience. Learner is actively engaged in posing questions and being curious, solving problems, take initiative, accountable for results. This is the laboratory Adam and Eve were placed in entering lone and dreary world. Life is a laboratory for Godly growth. Learning that comes through meaningful experiences is more durable than learning that comes easily. Efficiency is so satisfying. Heavenly Father is more concerned with effectiveness. God frequently allows for practice. Lectures and book learning is not how the brain works. Confused pursuit of perfection over progress. Martin Luther’s translation of the Bible: Ultimately it is the Savior that completes (perfects/makes us) whole. Perfection is a gift from our Father. Avoiding life’s obstacles is not possible. Katherine Schultz book: being wrong. Godly progress: harder than it looks. Live and learn/nothing ventured, nothing gained. Traded innocence for prospect of perfection. Unlimited opportunities to progress toward their destiny (distanced from God’s presence). Blessings: Bodies/each other/Savior.
10/According to the Flesh: blood through veins, aging, physical pain and pleasure, expanded ability to express feelings. Immortal state was added upon for new opportunities for learning and growth. Soul = spirit and body (fundamental part of mortality). Joseph Smith: great principal of happiness includes having a body. Spirit and element = fullness of joy. Relationship between body and spirit: friendly, embattled, work cooperatively, feel spirit is buried, body gobbling up spirit (physical appetite). Gifts of the body: fullness of earth (sights/smells), emotions (dual nature of the soul). Lessons/experiences that we must have with a body. Fasting adds extra power to prayer. Power from synergy to body and spirit. Need a body for ordinances. Gift of self-compassion � overcome Satan’s lie of appearances are everything. Jesus knows how to succor according to the flesh due to his time on earth. Body allows soul to fully embrace life.
11/Complementary Nature: Teamwork Moses 5:1-16 Everything they did; they did together. Called upon the Lord. They worked hand in hand. Eve did labor with him. Ideal example of covenant marriage relationship. Equal parts of humility and generosity is required. Both voices must be heard and respected. Women approach life as a network of connections. Return to God (salvation - individual) and united as families (exaltation). Loving connections of family make possible the highest state of happiness and glory. Moonlighting as doctors: have agreement to give very best to partnership. Preserving best part of myself (from community service/personal interests) for my marriage relationship. Shift made her feel more capable. Union of feeling = power with God. Promote and encourage one another.
12/Divine Collaboration: We are in mortal life to get an experience, a training that we cannot get another way and it is necessary to know about pain and sickness. Kubler-Ross: beautiful people do not just happen. Most beautiful people have known defeat/struggling/loss and have found their way out of the depths. These people have an understanding of this life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and loving concern. God doesn’t take painful experiences away but he can help us in every other way. Eliza Snow: if you see one step, take it, don’t wait for them all to open up. Eve took the first step. First step always involves agency (trying � Christ’s only stipulation). We get credit for trying. Blesses us in everyway except by removing our learning experiences. Redeeming blessings: Christ redeems us from our mistakes. Repentance respects and sustains our moral agency. Agency and repentance allow for learning, change and growth (with help of the Atonement). No failure ever need be final. The moment we decide to change the Lord helps us return. Compensatory blessings: additional blessings for obedient (those who acknowledge and express gratitude for his hand in their life). Knowledge, purity, and love bring power. It is when we notice the dirt when God is most present.
Epilogue: Embracing Life with Courage: requires good attitude and skill. Competing emotions exist. Enduring excruciating experiences but are glad it is done. Bittersweet.
1/The Power of a Story: stories are a fundamental way that we learn. Stories can change us (internalization/interpretation/application). Position of powerlessness to position of possibility. Origin story Illuminates past, present, and future. Adam and Eve is a non-fiction story. Language is a source of misunderstanding, especially with scripture (transcription/translation/interpretation/redaction � removal of info). Members can use different versions of the Bible to understand meaning. Cultural bias: read scripture for our own when and where. Recognize author’s intentions.
2/Fruit: nature of fruit (not an apple) powerful symbol of her story (taste and smell). Latin word for apple = evil. Fruit is Sweet/healthy/good form of energy. We want to eat more of sweet things (K/Na/sucrose). Vitamins need to be ingested (or partaken of), cannot be made by the body. We learn about tree of (eternal) life (Christ’s cross made of it/menorah shaped like tree) and tree of knowledge of good and evil (death/mortality experience). BH Roberts: tree of knowledge of good and evil is pleasant to sight and good for food. We chose mortality as Eve chose the Fall.
3/Plan A: Author purchased house made by a draftsman, not an architect. Figure it out as we go along, may have to come up with plan B. Heavenly Father is a master architect of the plan of happiness. They did it that man might be. Enable spirit children to advance and grow. We are his children, not his creations. Tad McCalister: Can a creation become like it’s creator? No. God’s divine character is his commitment to truth and goodness (cannot lie or deceive). They cannot help but bless us. All these things shall give me experience and is for my good. Agency (personal responsibility) is God’s greatest gift to man. Gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan of action. Agency for all = various degrees of suffering for all. Adam and Eve were pure and noble. Eve was of like stature, capacity and intelligence. Micheal means he who is like God. Christ is the great high priest and Adam is next. Archangel = chief angel. Abraham 3:22 noble and great ones (Eve). The decision to be born was our own.
4/The Measure of Our Creation: Pivot points � butterfly expert arrives in heaven and asks to know more about butterflies. D&C 59 magnificent earth for unto this end were they made. Mortal experience made possible by physical bodies and physical realm in which we live. Purpose of earth is to allow training to prepare us for Godliness. Phases of creation: all things created spiritually (in heaven) before physically. Paradisiacal requires a change before they can have children. Law and Order undergird all creations. We have to move within parameters of natural law (gravity, natural consequences). Differentiation involves designing, separating, categorizing, divided, gathered (light/dark, ground/sea, heaven/earth, grasses/herbs/trees). Beauty of variety at zoo or an aquarium. We all desire to participate in creation. Lord’s creation is not complete without our work (gardens we grow, meals we make). We must take action to make progress (choose his help through doing). Fruitfulness is the conduit to growth.
5/Side by Side: art requires balance; the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Significant pronouns � plural pronouns (our/us). Them referring to Eve and Adam (coupled twosome). God saw everything he had made and said it was very good (Adam/Eve/all others born). We should be known as earthy (natural � wo we can become) man. Genesis 2:4-25 helpmeet (gives cause to dominate women), intention was balanced interdependence. Adam created from dust/dirt (Adam means earth � and is plural � meaning both of them) and Eve from rib (side � Eve made of same substance � side by side). Complete man is husband and wife. Camille Fronk: If Eve came from head (over Adam); came from feet (servant). Mother of all living (bearer of life). Rescuer or deliverer would be a better term than helpmeet. Marriage is institute of heaven started in the Garden of Eden (performed by deity). Cleave � 2 meanings diametrically opposed: part/divide and stick/cling; what began as two became one.
6/The Garden of God: Life is one big adventure (exhilarating and terrifying). Eden’s (delight/pleasure) sacred garden is a place where time stood still. Temple garden to tutor them. They received revelation and ordinances. Dress and keep garden (priesthood responsibilities � serve and protect � first temple president and matron). Garden living (veil of mortality) was a period of great learning; God conversed with Adam face to face. Innocence (lack of experience) and knowledge are not mutually exclusive. Knowledge is a prerequisite of agency (accountability is understanding based). He did not know pain and sorrow. Needed to leave garden to gain experience. They were prepared to act because of their faith in the Savior.
7/The crucial Conflict: every one of our stories has conflict. Agency/loving heavenly parents/perfect plan are the bedrock of this story. Conflict is crucial. Adam and Eve’s conflict: Should � fruitful and multiply, dominion over living thing. Should not - not to partake of tree of knowledge of good and evil. Adam and Eve are placed in ideal circumstances for ideal growth. God wants the very best for his children; so he warns them. Transgression (not sin � which is inherently wrong) means to pass or cross over. Commandment to not partake of fruit was a lesser law (procreation was higher law). Satan adds further conflict (introduces uncertainty). Inexperienced in deception; only have communicated with the truthful. This decision places them on the lifelong path of becoming. Giving birth is an honor given to women (mortality tree); right to partake is Eve’s as the mother bearing children. Adam (eternity tree) as priesthood holder.
8/Nakedness: Eating fruit = Consequence of mortal life. Genesis 3:7 (eyes of both were open/knew they were naked). Problem solving: sewed fig leaves and made aprons. Seeds represent fertility. Green in lacking experience. Satan adds shame (forces us into darkness to hide). Guilt (humility) says repair. We find ourselves figuratively naked before God. Eve maintains autonomy and agency: I did eat. Enmity could be light of Christ. Sorrow (painful) labor. Husband rule over (translation - rule with) by means of priesthood. Coats of skin (much better than aprons) represents atonement of Jesus Christ. Eastward departure is toward God.
9/Thorns and Thistles: Kolb’s Experiential learning by intellectual growth/self-reflection/new revised knowledge which better equips student for the next experience. Learner is actively engaged in posing questions and being curious, solving problems, take initiative, accountable for results. This is the laboratory Adam and Eve were placed in entering lone and dreary world. Life is a laboratory for Godly growth. Learning that comes through meaningful experiences is more durable than learning that comes easily. Efficiency is so satisfying. Heavenly Father is more concerned with effectiveness. God frequently allows for practice. Lectures and book learning is not how the brain works. Confused pursuit of perfection over progress. Martin Luther’s translation of the Bible: Ultimately it is the Savior that completes (perfects/makes us) whole. Perfection is a gift from our Father. Avoiding life’s obstacles is not possible. Katherine Schultz book: being wrong. Godly progress: harder than it looks. Live and learn/nothing ventured, nothing gained. Traded innocence for prospect of perfection. Unlimited opportunities to progress toward their destiny (distanced from God’s presence). Blessings: Bodies/each other/Savior.
10/According to the Flesh: blood through veins, aging, physical pain and pleasure, expanded ability to express feelings. Immortal state was added upon for new opportunities for learning and growth. Soul = spirit and body (fundamental part of mortality). Joseph Smith: great principal of happiness includes having a body. Spirit and element = fullness of joy. Relationship between body and spirit: friendly, embattled, work cooperatively, feel spirit is buried, body gobbling up spirit (physical appetite). Gifts of the body: fullness of earth (sights/smells), emotions (dual nature of the soul). Lessons/experiences that we must have with a body. Fasting adds extra power to prayer. Power from synergy to body and spirit. Need a body for ordinances. Gift of self-compassion � overcome Satan’s lie of appearances are everything. Jesus knows how to succor according to the flesh due to his time on earth. Body allows soul to fully embrace life.
11/Complementary Nature: Teamwork Moses 5:1-16 Everything they did; they did together. Called upon the Lord. They worked hand in hand. Eve did labor with him. Ideal example of covenant marriage relationship. Equal parts of humility and generosity is required. Both voices must be heard and respected. Women approach life as a network of connections. Return to God (salvation - individual) and united as families (exaltation). Loving connections of family make possible the highest state of happiness and glory. Moonlighting as doctors: have agreement to give very best to partnership. Preserving best part of myself (from community service/personal interests) for my marriage relationship. Shift made her feel more capable. Union of feeling = power with God. Promote and encourage one another.
12/Divine Collaboration: We are in mortal life to get an experience, a training that we cannot get another way and it is necessary to know about pain and sickness. Kubler-Ross: beautiful people do not just happen. Most beautiful people have known defeat/struggling/loss and have found their way out of the depths. These people have an understanding of this life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and loving concern. God doesn’t take painful experiences away but he can help us in every other way. Eliza Snow: if you see one step, take it, don’t wait for them all to open up. Eve took the first step. First step always involves agency (trying � Christ’s only stipulation). We get credit for trying. Blesses us in everyway except by removing our learning experiences. Redeeming blessings: Christ redeems us from our mistakes. Repentance respects and sustains our moral agency. Agency and repentance allow for learning, change and growth (with help of the Atonement). No failure ever need be final. The moment we decide to change the Lord helps us return. Compensatory blessings: additional blessings for obedient (those who acknowledge and express gratitude for his hand in their life). Knowledge, purity, and love bring power. It is when we notice the dirt when God is most present.
Epilogue: Embracing Life with Courage: requires good attitude and skill. Competing emotions exist. Enduring excruciating experiences but are glad it is done. Bittersweet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2021
Fantastic!! Everybody needs to read this book, then read it again. Will be purchasing a copy. Absolutely loved it!
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