Genesis 3:8-11; 4:8; Romans 8:12-14

For our second in the series “Retelling the Story” we will read about how human beings, created and called “good” by God, nevertheless fall tragically short of the goodness for which we were created.

Our Scripture readings are Genesis 3:8-11, plus verse 4:8, and Romans 8:12-14.

I have long preached and taught that the elemental forces of creation are fear and love. How do you see these in tension in these verses?

Traditionally, Biblical theology has spoken of “the Fall” and or “original sin”. How do you understand these concepts? 

Some current Christian theologians reject original sin and write about “original grace”. See what you can learn about this body of writing.

Most of us are familiar with the famous question posed by Rodney King, who was brutally beaten by Los Angeles police officers: “Why can’t we all just get  along?” How would you use Genesis 3:8-11, 4:8, and Romans 8:12-14 to respond to this question?