Genesis; The Many Ways to Make God Angry

What is the importance of naming the damning flora the "Tree of Knowledge"?

         

       The whole beginning of the Bible scares me. I always imagined God (the classic robed bearded man) cruising over a pristine landscapes like the flyover's of a Discovery channel documentary, seemingly high as a kite as he creates rivers and creatures. But what is the most frightening is the theme that can be pulled out of the majority of Genesis, which is to not seek knowledge. Analyzing the piece as a work of literature, the author's intent is evidently to inform the reader that procuring knowledge, from eating the fruit, to building the tower of Babel and so forth, only ends in original sin or disaster. These consequences are dealt out by God, the omniscient being who has always known the difference between good and evil, so his actions should be always perceived as just. Being the most well known book in the history of human existence, it is strange that the main message is to inhibit growth as a people. I am not a fan of the phrase "the opiate for the masses", but I do think the Bible's use as a tool for control is a big part of the reason it is so popular. When it comes down to it, it seems the message is don't question the world, don't question God, and be grateful, he worked on the weekend to make you.

What is the perceived role of women in life through the lens of Genesis?

        I cannot imagine reading this work through the eyes of a fiery feminist. Not identifying as a feminist myself, I still found myself enraged at the silliness that was abound in the lines of the book. God punishes Eve decidedly more for eating the forbidden fruit, even though Adam could have just as easily been beguiled by the serpent. Another case is Lot's wife, who is seemed to be personally smited by God just for looking back at her burning home. Furthermore, Lot's daughters then make Lot drunk, and commit incest on him to bear more children. The fact that they had to impair Lot implies that the act was foul, but they were curiously unsmited by God, making me feel he may be cool with incest. In summary women in Genesis were gullible, yet conniving, and the were the sex that damned humanity to a lesser existence. Their role would consist of being skeptical in the face of God's truth (being stupid) and bearing the painful yet "deserved" pain of childbirth. Seems like women should be totally down with Genesis.

What is Genesis' purpose as the first book of the Bible?

       As I said before, Genesis scares me, but I think that was the point. While I know that I am reading a work of fiction, to those who heard the stories as historical fact the book must have been the most fear-inducing thing to hear, just shy of actually hearing the biblical flood roll in. While the narrative was blunt and choppy, a majority of the reading was captivating. Seeing the world come into fruition was exciting, it was almost like being taken on a ride with God. I think the purpose of the book was to pull in a possible believer with grandiose tales of creation, destruction, and everything in between. They are quick, and separate stories begin and conclude quickly, usually with a great life lesson at the end like a Saturday morning cartoon, the most common one being, do not piss off God.