Eden, Knowledge, and the Tree of Life

Dear Reader,

This afternoon I found myself reflecting on the Garden of Eden. Does it still exist somewhere? And if it does, what would be the effects of global warming upon it? The thought may seem far-fetched, but considering both scripture and today’s headlines, I believe it is worth pondering.

So here is the question: If Eden was real, does it exist today? Or is the earth itself our Eden — and are we in danger of being driven out a second time? From a purely agricultural standpoint, the earth remains a garden, still able to sustain its population. Symbolically, humanity’s relationship with God’s creation places us right on the edge of Eden’s gates.

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The Debate of Our Day

Here in 2025, we face a deep divide between national sovereignty and global responsibility. President Trump’s address at the United Nations emphasized sovereignty, independence, and skepticism toward climate agreements. By contrast, scientific voices warn of warming seas, rising temperatures, and ecological instability.

Which voice do we heed? “Hoax or con-job”? Or the ancient commission:

“And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”
— Genesis 1:28 (KJV)

To me, the answer is clear: our stewardship comes from a higher authority than the sovereign kingdoms of the earth. Dominion does not mean exploitation. It means care, guardianship, and responsibility.

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The Old Temptation, Repeated

It would be an error to repeat Satan’s enticement at the tree of knowledge: “You shall be as gods.” Two errors never make a right. The misuse or denial of knowledge today — ignoring science, twisting truth for power — only sets us on a path of catastrophe. In this, we mirror the Fall, choosing desire and control over obedience and stewardship.

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Exile and Its Consequences

Just as Adam and Eve were exiled from Eden, we risk exiling ourselves from a livable earth if we neglect God’s call to care for creation. Symbolically, such an exile means climate disasters, displacement, and the loss of harmony with creation. Spiritually, it means defying God’s plan of renewal, choosing destruction instead.

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The Promise of the Tree of Life

Yet God has not left us without hope. In Revelation we are shown the Tree of Life, whose leaves are “for the healing of the nations.” Within my own faith, I believe restoration comes not by going back to Eden, but by moving forward into Christ’s reign.

• Stewardship = tending and keeping the earth, not exploiting it.

• Repentance = changing how we consume, how we treat creation, and how we respond to truth.

• Faith = trusting that Christ, the true Tree of Life, will guide us into a new Eden.

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A Final Question

So I ask again: Will we be driven out once more, or will we live as stewards preparing for restoration? The choice is ours. Eden may be hidden, but the Tree of Life still stands before us in Christ — calling us to faith, repentance, and care for the earth entrusted to us.