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Key ideas explored in the book:
Earth life is ancient and evolving (rather than young and finished).
Death is part of life (rather than a curse or punishment).
Life on earth thrived prior to the emergence of humans (rather than found its purpose in our recent arrival).
Members of Homo sapiens are created in the image of God and in the image of all other earth creatures (we forget either at our peril).
Humans are scouts, trailblazers, pioneers (not the end product or crown of creation).
Humans are surrounded by and an integral part of an evolving garden of life (not separate from, superior to, or the reason for this garden).
The biblical story of the Fall refers to an event/concept that is recent (rather than original).
The Fall story refers to a new human claim to exceptionalism (rather than to an arbitrary act of personal disobedience, a loss of species innocence, or the ending of a time of former garden bliss).
Life under Cain’s rule (as opposed to God’s) brings destruction (as opposed to blessing).
Sin and destruction is Cain’s inevitable nature (not humanity’s).
Cain’s story must find its demise (rather than be tweaked or fixed).
Abel’s story must emerge (before it’s too late).
The Creator is ever-evolving the earth with greater variety and complexity (not destroying it).
Jesus Christ, and perhaps other religious figures, came with a mission to heal Cain and his legacy (not affirm Cain’s worldview and behavior, or offer Cain a salvific escape from the consequences of his worldview and behavior).
Earth is humanity’s home (not a disposable way station on the road to an afterlife or heaven).
There is hope (but not in the short term). |
