original sin, part 2

     As long as we're on the subject of original sin, I'd like to share how this was taught to me, many years ago. The "original sin" for which humankind were cast out of paradise was excuse-making.  That's right, excuse-making--along with lying and blaming someone else--anything but accepting responsibility for one's own wrong-doing.  Also hubris--wanting to be as gods. Read the story if you don't believe me. God told Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit of a certain tree. They ate it and God caught them.  Eve promptly blamed the snake by way of explanation, and Adam promptly blamed Eve. No apologies, but plenty of excuses. No offers to right the wrong, or to do better.  Just excuses, lies and irresponsibility.