The Myth of Eternal Life: Adam, Eve, and the Duration of Human Lifespan
Why did Adam and Eve live so long? If we consider them as fictional characters, their endurance could be attributed to the sheer imaginative power of their creator. Fiction allows characters to defy the ordinary constraints of reality, and indeed, Adam and Eve were given the extraordinary lifespan to symbolize the perfect conditions of the Garden of Eden.
Besides, when we reflect on the why we live so short, a fundamental question arises: aren't we supposed to have eternal life? This query challenges our understanding of mortality and delves into the realms of mythology and theology. It’s interesting to wonder if the concept of eternal life was once a real possibility.
Adam and Eve: The First Human Beings
The creation of Adam and Eve before the
Apple incident marked the beginning of humanity as we know it. Initially, they were the only two individuals on Earth, and their existence in the Garden of Eden was characterized by perfect health and longevity. Their lives were extended to hundreds of years, allowing them to populate the world. After the expulsion from the Garden of Eden, reproduction of human life resumed.
Lifespans and the Flood
It is worth noting that while Adam and Eve lived for thousands of years, the human lifespan gradually decreased over time, coinciding with the deluge. The flood myth in the Bible suggests that the world as it existed in the beginning was irrevocably altered, leading to a decline in both human life and the environment.
According to biblical accounts, the perfection of the early Earth, including protection from harmful ultraviolet radiation, contributed to the extended lifespan of Adam and Eve. However, after the flood, the Earth’s conditions deteriorated, leading to shorter lifespans. This gradual decline in human longevity aligns with the broader narrative of environmental degradation in the Bible.
God’s Perspective and Human Mortality
Adopting a theological perspective, the Book of Psalms offers insights into the nature of time and mortality. Verse 90:4 states, "A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night." This verse underscores the divine perspective on time, suggesting that a day in God's eyes is as long as a thousand years. This metaphorical language implies that the concept of time, as familiar to humans, is not a constant in the divine realm.
When God created Adam and Eve, he informed them of the consequences of their disobedience: "On the day you eat from it, you will certainly die" (Genesis 2:17). According to this narrative, God’s expectation was that Adam and Eve would not disobey his commands and thus would live long lives. However, with the disobedience of Adam and Eve, the process of aging and death was set in motion.
From a theological standpoint, this mythological account illustrates the fall from grace and the introduction of mortality into the human experience. The gradual decrease in human lifespans can be seen as a reflection of the decline from an ideal state to the current realities of human life.
The Future and Eternal Life
Optimism can be found in the religious prophecies that suggest a return to a perfect world. The Bible promises that the earth will be restored to its original condition, and in this perfect state, humans will have eternal life without the presence of sin. This eternal life will come with a new physical form, free from the imperfections and drawbacks of mortality.
Christians believe that, one day, they will be resurrected with a perfect body, devoid of the burdens of sin and death. In this future state, they will live eternally with God on Earth. The promise of eternal life serves as a guiding light for followers, providing hope and purpose in the face of mortality.
Although the concept of eternal life may seem far-fetched, it offers a profound reflection on the nature of existence, mortality, and the promise of the future. For those who believe in the divine narratives, this myth serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for restoration and renewal.