Is the way that women evaluate their own worth affected still by the biblical story of Mother Eve? Author Beverly Campbell suggests, “In much of the literature and in most of the histories referring to women there is an undercurrent of apology, as though there is something not quite 'all right' about being a woman. In looking for the source of this unease, I came to recognize that it could be traced to accounts of the Creation and to the ever-prevalent and negative characterizations of Eve.”
She writes of three levels from which the story of Eden must be viewed: as historical fact, as a series of symbols and metaphors, and as a place for a beginning our own search for spiritual understanding and relevance in life. This compelling book may change forever your perception of our first parents and the choice they made.
| Pages | 199 |
The author insinuated, or maybe stated, that Eve knew what she was doing in partaking of the fruit, that by doing so would allow children to come into the world, but Adam was not so enlightened. The outcome was satisfactory thanks to the Savior's rescue, but we don't know what the outcome would have been if Eve wouldn't have partaken of the fruit. I'm sure the Father had a plan when he gave the commandments. Adam intended to keep all of commandments and there was no conflict until Eve's transgression and Adam had to evaluate the prospect of Eve being expelled thus not being able to keep the command to multiply. This kind of thinking makes it look like the first time God lied and Satan told the truth. (Example, "there is no other way"). Most points made are true but making them puts man against woman. Throughout the book, she elevated Eve at the expense of Adam, the co-creator of the Earth, the Father of mankind, along with several other unique titles he may hold.
Having read this book when it was first publish, I cannot recommend it. The whole premise of Eve's role in the Fall is horribly flawed. It is nothing more than pure speculation on the part of the author and there is no way it can be substantiated scripturally or through the teachings of the prophets, ancient and latter-day.
This book helps to clarify Eve's decision to eat of the forbidden fruit and leave the Garden of Eden. She recognized the "bigger picture" before Adam did. Leaving Eden was a consequence of eating the fruit, and was not a sin. I found the book interesting, but it wasn't all I'd hoped for. I just bought Alonzo Gaskill's new book "The Truth About Eden", I think it has a little more 'meat' in it. I'll let you know.
Amazing book! It's about 183 pages; quick read. It is a very inspirational, liberating book! I recommend this to all men and women - religious and nonreligious.
Dr. Campbell has done a masterful job on research and documentation of this very misunderstood and critical happening in history. She is right...women get a bad rap because of Eve's "weakness" in partaking of the fruit. That is utterly unfounded!
As the author points out so beautifully, what Eve understood was that partaking of the fruit would allow them to keep the FIRST (and most important)commandment given to them by God in the Garden. What a woman! What choice Eve made in Eden!
Too bad it's taken centuries for most women (and men) to understand what Eve actually did. I bought copies for my daughters and refer this book to everyone who needs to know what REALLY happened in Eden.
If you don't read another book this year...this one is a must. Thank you Dr. Campbell!
Every member should read. Women will probably like it better than men.
I have an extensive library of LDS books, and though this was a good book, to me, it isn't a great book. It certainly helps explain the choices made in Eden, and has great quotes by Apostles, but I felt that this was just overall an OK book. Nevertheless, for the topic at hand, this is a useful resource book.
I bought this book a few years ago when I wanted to know more about Eve's role. I didn't finish it, picked it up again a week ago and haven't put it down. It gives so much insight into the Garden of Eden, the book of Moses and Eve's divine role and the divine role of women in general. It is amazing and you receive added knowledge and insight on each page in the book. A must read for every church member---every one in general.
Almost as an answer to a prayer, I received the advertisment for this book. I had some questions regarding this very subject and this was the book to clarify everything for me! It is an amazing book that has given me so many new insights. With each page, I learned something new. It has re-awakened in me a strong desire to truly 'study' my scriptures and glean the great truths that are written there for me. I will never look at the story of the creation the same way. My eyes have been opened! I LOVE this book and would recommend it to everyone.
This was one of the best books I ever read. It not only showed what it meant to be a daughter of God but also the great work we have to do in his plan. I recommend this book to all members of the church both men and women so we can come to understand our unique roles in our Father's plan.
