Fear as Original Sin

• The Fall: Adam and Eve, the first human beings, were placed in a paradise called Eden. They were given free will but were commanded not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
• Disobedience: Tempted by a serpent, Eve ate the forbidden fruit and shared it with Adam. Their disobedience led to their expulsion from Eden, symbolizing the loss of innocence and communion with God.
• Consequences: As a result of their sin, humanity inherited a sinful nature. This original sin is passed down through generations, affecting all human beings.

• Fear Before Disobedience: Before eating the forbidden fruit, Adam and Eve experienced fear. When God questioned Adam about his disobedience, he responded, "I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid" (Genesis 3:10). Fear preceded their disobedience.
• Fear as Separation: Fear led to separation—from God, from each other, and from their true selves. It was fear that caused them to hide and cover themselves.
• Fear as the Root: Rather than disobedience being the primary sin, some interpretations suggest that fear is the root cause. Fear of vulnerability, fear of inadequacy, fear of judgment—all of these contributed to their decision to eat the fruit.

• Deeper Understanding: Viewing fear as the original sin invites us to explore the human condition more holistically. It acknowledges our emotional struggles and vulnerabilities.
• Redemption: If fear is the core issue, then redemption involves overcoming fear and restoring trust in God's love and acceptance.
• Personal Application: We can reflect on our own fears—fear of failure, rejection, or the unknown—and consider how they impact our relationship with God and others.