Has there ever been a story so mysterious, so strange, so historically punishing, and yet so alluring as that of Eve and Adam in the Garden of Eden? We’re obsessed with that apple (checked the back of your iPhone recently?) and the mouthy snake, not to mention the angels at the gate with their fiery swords and eyeball wings.

The Catholic church, among others, has made it a global pastime to punish women for Eve’s supposed ‘sin’ and even the humble innocent snake is viewed as an agent of the Devil, whoever that is.

But, you know me, I’m not satisfied with that story. It feels a bit simplistic, not to mention very convenient for ye olde patriarchy. So I went to my favorite teachers for the ancient scriptures; the Desert Ammas and Abbas of the first and second century. And boy oh boy, do they have a different story!

I’ll give you a preview. The Garden of Eden is more ancient, more multidimensional, and wayyyyy more supportive of Eve and Adam’s journey than we’re led to believe. The snake? Not who you think it is. The ‘God’ in the garden? Let’s just say YHWH might not be the one. And Eve’s sin? Well, we all know by now that women’s ‘sins’ are usually just thoughts and behavior that doesn’t comform to an oppressive patriarchy.

Come join for what promises to be a very interesting new look at the good old Garden of Eden.