mcconkie

The tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil can be both literal AND figurative. Obviously, it is not simply eating a fruit that gives us eternal life but rather, as Nephi learned, the tree of life is a symbol of Christ (1 Nephi 11:9-21). Likewise, it was not simply eating a bad apple that changed the whole earth to a fallen state but rather the fruit represented a choice with certain consequences. But, and this is important, just because it is figurative doesn't mean it can't also be literal. For example, think of the Sacrament. We take literal bread and water but partaking of it has a symbolic meaning beyond simply eating some food and having a drink. If taken properly, those emblems represent Christ, signify a covenant we are making, and bring a remission of sins. The trees of the garden of Eden could be viewed the same way. Perhaps there were literal trees, but obviously partaking of them symbolized something much bigger than having a bite to eat. As for the Mormon Matters link, if you don't want to spar then why the jab, Mikbone? I have read the book they are attacking and I loved the chapter referred to there. Again, I do not like the fact that McConkies are so viciously maligned and attacked by church members on the internet.

What a great explanation by Joseph McConkie! I just wish people on this post would read it before commenting on it. :) Mikbone, I honestly can't imagine Joseph McConkie EVER saying that there is nothing literal to the story. I have taken every class he offered (twice!) and I have read all of his books and I have ALWAYS heard him state that the story is both literal and figurative (which is his point in the chapter quoted above, if you bothered to read it). You are misrepresenting Joseph McConkie, pitting the McConkie you think you remember with the one quoted above and, strangely, there are some that believe your version over the actual statement (I am talking about you, Hemidakota). Hemidakota, McConkie is NOT saying that the garden wasn't a literal place, read the quote again. He is saying that there are figurative elements to the story. Do you really think Jospeh McConkie doesn't know about Jackson Missouri?! Moksha, theologically Adam and Christ are inseparabely tied. To make Adam a myth is to make Christ a myth. This is something Joseph McConkie, his father Bruce R McConkie, and his grandfather Joseph Fielding Smith have all passionately defended. Sorry, if my post sounds angry, I just really love this man and consider him the greatest teacher I have ever had. I don't mind people disagreeing with him but I do not appreciate people misrepresenting him. Brother McConkie is teaching that that the garden of Eden was a temple for Adam and Eve and therefore, like the temple, there are elements of the story that are meant to teach us symbolically.