ep 4: Pleasure and Pain (Evolution of Human Consciousness in the Bible, pt 1)

Summary

In this podcast episode, Jillian Mason Shannon explores the concept of human consciousness in the Bible, starting with the story of Adam and Eve. She examines the significance of the 'tree of pleasure and pain' and the impact of self-awareness on human existence. Drawing on Steinbeck's 'East of Eden,' she discusses the evolution of human agency and the idea that humans have choices. Through the lens of biblical interpretation, she reflects on the consequences of living in a split consciousness and the implications for relationships and understanding of God.

Takeaways

• 😀 The podcast explores human consciousness in the Bible, starting with the story of Adam and Eve.
• 😀 The movie clip from *East of Eden* draws parallels between Adam and Eve's biblical narrative and the modern story of Adam Trask and his sons.
• 😀 The Chinese servant Lee in *East of Eden* offers a new translation of the biblical passage from the story of Cain and Abel, emphasizing choice over predestination.
• 😀 The Hebrew word 'tim' meaning 'thou mayest' suggests that humans have free will and responsibility, unlike 'thou shalt' which implies predestination.
• 😀 The story of Adam and Eve represents the transition from a unified consciousness with nature to one of internal conflict, introducing the knowledge of pleasure and pain.
• 😀 The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil is better understood as the Tree of Pleasure and Pain, highlighting the complex human experience of duality.
• 😀 Adam and Eve’s fall symbolizes the internal split humans experience, where pleasure and pain are inseparable, leading to a more complex awareness of existence.
• 😀 The idea of oneness between Adam and Eve is disrupted after the fall, causing humans to see others as either a resource or a threat, triggering scapegoating behaviors.
• 😀 Yahweh’s consequences after the fall, such as pain in childbirth and toil in work, can be interpreted as natural outcomes of living with an internally split consciousness.
• 😀 Despite the curse, Adam names Eve 'Life,' symbolizing renewal and hope, suggesting a reversal of the notion of woman’s subordination to man, and emphasizing life and creation.

Q & A

What does the concept of 'human consciousness' refer to in the context of the podcast?

In the podcast, 'human consciousness' refers to the ability to reflect, be self-aware, and make choices. It contrasts with a more reflexive existence, where beings simply react to their environment without deeper awareness or agency.

How does the translation of 'Thou shalt' vs. 'Thou mayest' impact the understanding of human agency?

'Thou shalt' implies predestination and removes human choice, suggesting we are puppets in God's plan. 'Thou must' suggests a command with no room for choice. 'Thou mayest' emphasizes human agency, suggesting that humans have the freedom to choose whether to overcome sin or not.

Why does the podcast emphasize that the story of Adam and Eve is not just a historical narrative?

The podcast emphasizes that the story of Adam and Eve represents a universal truth about human consciousness. It’s symbolic of humanity’s journey to awareness and the internal split between pleasure and pain, which defines the human condition.

What is the significance of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil in the podcast?

The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil represents not just a moral choice but the acquisition of awareness of pleasure and pain. Eating from the tree leads to a divided consciousness where humans experience both the beauty and the tragedy of life.

What is the concept of 'scapegoating' introduced in the podcast?

Scapegoating refers to the tendency of humans to shift blame onto others when facing discomfort or responsibility. In the Adam and Eve story, Adam blames Eve and Eve blames the serpent, which becomes a pattern of behavior throughout human history.

How does the podcast reinterpret the consequences of the Fall in the Garden of Eden?

The podcast suggests that the consequences of the Fall—such as pain in childbirth and toil in labor—are not eternal punishments but natural outcomes of human beings gaining the knowledge of pleasure and pain. These are the challenges of living with self-awareness.

Why does Jillian Mason Shannon mention the translation of the tree as the 'tree of pleasure and pain'?

The translation of the tree as the 'tree of pleasure and pain' shifts the focus from a moral understanding of good and evil to an understanding of life’s experiences, where joy and suffering are intertwined and inevitable.

What does the naming of Eve as 'life' symbolize in the context of the podcast?

The naming of Eve as 'life' signifies that she is a vital part of creation, not subordinate to Adam. It challenges the traditional interpretation that women are inferior and instead highlights the importance of mutual interdependence.

How does the podcast address the idea of God's role in human suffering and choice?

The podcast suggests that God does not impose predestination or demand outcomes from humans. Rather, God is presented as a guide who accompanies humanity through its suffering and helps it navigate its choices.

What does the podcast suggest about the relationship between grace and human choice?

The podcast highlights that grace is not just divine mercy but a partnership with humanity. It suggests that human choice plays a role in shaping destiny, with grace serving as a support system to help humans navigate their internal conflicts.