Source Readings Genesis 2:4b - 3

Support Reading: Elaine Pagels: Adam Eve and the Serpent "The Nature of Nature"

The writing project is described here:

You are a lawyer (public advocate, etc.). Your task is to build a case against Augustine or against Julian for what they interpret as the nature of humankind from reading Genesis 2-3 (The Garden of Eden narrative). Human conduct, belief and the salvation of humanity is at stake - not to mention, also, what it means to be a Christian.

1) First read in Genesis the narrative known as the Garden of Eden:

It starts in Genesis 2 from the second half of verse 4 (2: 4.b) and runs through chapter the end of chapter 3.

 (It is always good practice to read this kind of dense biblical verse a few times.)

2) Then read Pagels’ chapter “The Nature of Nature.”

Here she discusses how early Christians interpret the Garden of Eden story and focuses on the debate between Pelagius and others in the church – a debate that was largely taken up by Julian and Augustine.

3) You are a lawyer (public advocate, etc.) Your task is to build a case against the other side.

Pick a side to be on – either Julian or Augustine. For example, if you are picking Augustine’s side, explain what his side is so that you can strengthen it against the attacks of Julian. Both of these early Christians explain what is the importance of their side, not only for their interpretation, or for other Christians to generally understand what the story means, but for the very future of humanity and what it means to be a Christian.

By taking a side, you should draw support from various texts to underscore your case. For instance, would part of the Beatitudes in Matthew support Julian or Augustine? Would the beginning of John support Julian or Augustine? Would the baptism of John, or even that of Jesus support Julian or Augustine? Would the sentences in Genesis 2, and or 3 support Julian or Augustine? Look also at the texts we read in class on Thursday, the ancient Christians who discuss the creation of mankind, and of the world. Do you think any of these folks will support Julian or Augustine?

Of course, Paul, and Paul’s letter to the Romans will play a role here too. All the source texts are relevant here - just as Julian and Augustine would be drawing from too.

Challenge the other side (Julian or Augustine) and build you case well with 5-10 supports. Any less and you stand to be challenged harshly by the other side.

Mechanics:

Here is what Pagels cites from the interpretations by Augustine and Julian:

Gen 1.27-28	Gen 2.15	Gen 3.15-19	Gen 4.11	1Cor 15.21-22, 26, 53
Mt 5.21-22, 27-28	Lk 20.34-36	Jn 9.3	Rom 7.15-18, 25	Rom 8.2

Your task here is to advocate for Augustine or Julian by referring to sources other than (or in addition to) those that Pagels cites. Advocacy entails analysis, interpretation, and, in this situation, support from the scripture. After all, it is from the scripture that Augustine and Julian derive many of their ideas.

As always, explain yourself, be specific, cite passage numbers. Use short citation method: (Gen. 2:6 for Genesis chapter 2 verse 6; or John 1:3, for Gospel of John, chapter 1 verse 3.) And when you are quoting Julian or Augustine from Pagels' essay, write: "What I am quoting..." (Jul/Aug, Pagels 235). If you are quoting or paraphrasing Pagels, then just (Pagels 235) Use the course reader page numbers as standard (not the original pages).

Typed, single or double space, about 500 words (2 pages if double-spaced) You need room to argue well.

Any questions – please write me.

All the readings are located in our course reader - Bring to class