Garden of Eden: Symbolism,  Myth, Map, & Meaning - “A good myth will tell us something valuable about the human predicament.” Karen Armstrong - “Truth knocks at the mind by means of allegory and mystery saying, “Open.” - St Gregory of Nyssa

Charles Edward Peck Jr

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i04.85260

Garden of Eden: Symbolism, Myth, Map, & Meaning - “A good myth will tell us something valuable about the human predicament.” Karen Armstrong - “Truth knocks at the mind by means of allegory and mystery saying, “Open.” - St Gregory of Nyssa

Author(s)	Charles Edward Peck Jr
Country	United States
Abstract	“A good myth will tell us something valuable about the human predicament.” Karen Armstrong - “Truth knocks at the mind by means of allegory and mystery saying, “Open.” - St Gregory of Nyssa Ancient “Divinity Myths” incorporate Symbolic Maps and Ideals of Social-Moral Order (distinct from Heroic Myths). There is a correlation between mythic divine symbolism and social moral order: Moses and the 10 Commandments; Ur-Nammu; Hammurabi Code; Gods of Mesopotamia (Shamash, Marduk, Enki, Nabu, Inanna, Enlil, and Anu), as well as Zeus and Indra. Symbolism is a critical part of social structure and group formation. It would seem an inescapable conclusion that myths did have a significant social function. After the Golden Calf incident, God reveals to Moses in Exodus 34:6-7: “And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,” Historically there is a distinct connection between spiritual-religious beliefs and social-moral order. Furthermore, there are studies which demonstrate a correlation between spirituality and compassion. (Saslow) The Garden of Eden Myth in Genesis of the Bible is perhaps the quintessential illustration of a myth as a symbolic map - narrative. The core of the myth is the act of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit of the Tree of Knowledge. Even a precursory analysis of that myth would reveal the allegorical and symbolical act as the act of a “meaning seeking animal.” Further, the myth and narrative convey the understanding that the knowledge of good and evil invokes an evidently painful self-awareness that invokes strong feelings of shame and guilt. After all, Adam and Eve did cover their genitals with fig leaves. It is noteworthy that self-awareness is highlighted in the myth because very few animal species appear to have any self-awareness since few can recognize themselves in mirrors (i.e. chimpanzees, elephants). It’s as if the author wanted to highlight the characteristics that distinguish a human being from animals. Every scientist will tell you that the human brain and the human mind – as in knowledge - are the most distinctive characteristics of the human being – particularly the prefrontal cortex.
Field	Sociology > Archaeology / History
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 4, July-August 2026
Published On	2026-08-07
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i04.85260

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Garden of Eden: Symbolism, Myth, Map, & Meaning - “A good myth will tell us something valuable about the human predicament.” Karen Armstrong - “Truth knocks at the mind by means of allegory and mystery saying, “Open.” - St Gregory of Nyssa

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