Old Testament Lesson 4: “Because of My Transgression My Eyes Are Opened” (The Fall)

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1. 

   Robert Z on January 29, 2014 at 1:17 pm

   You recently had a discussion in episode #4 of Sunday School Bonanza about the difference between Transgression vs Sin. I realize the manual encourages some discussion on this topic based on the following quotes. To help explain that Adam and Eve did not sin when they partook of the forbidden fruit, read the following statement from Elder Dallin H. Oaks:
   “It was Eve who first transgressed the limits of Eden in order to
   initiate the conditions of mortality. Her act, whatever its nature, was formally a transgression but eternally a glorious necessity to open the doorway toward eternal life. Adam showed his wisdom by doing the same. …

   “… We celebrate Eve’s act and honor her wisdom and courage in the great episode called the Fall. … Elder Joseph Fielding Smith said: ‘I never speak of the part Eve took in this fall as a sin, nor do I accuse Adam of a sin. … This was a transgression of the law, but not a sin.’ …

   “This suggested contrast between a sin and a transgression reminds us of the careful wording in the second article of faith: “We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s
   transgression”. It also echoes a familiar distinction in the law.
   Some acts, like murder, are crimes because they are inherently wrong. Other acts, like operating without a license, are crimes only because they are legally prohibited. Under these distinctions, the act that produced the Fall was not a sin—inherently wrong—but a transgression—wrong because it was formally prohibited. These words are not always used to denote something different, but
   this distinction seems meaningful in the circumstances of the Fall” (in
   Conference Report, Oct. 1993, 98; or Ensign, Nov. 1993, 73).

   If you want to discuss this there are plenty of good historical things to
   discuss for the basis of an analogy. No need to use speeding or even operating without a llicense. If you want to discuss transgression vs sin in this way why not refer to Gandhi’s walk to ocean for salt. USA declaration of Independence, etc. Although not perfect these examples relate how individuals or groups may do something specifically prohibited by law but is not inherently wrong. Also
   these acts were done with a purpose in mind and consequences were suffered and those making choices understood what some of the results of their action would be but certainly didn’t know the full extent of how their choices would impact themselves and others.

   That being said I think the discussion of transgression vs sin leads people to miss the greater point. Didn’t Jacob teach in 2 Nephi 2:23 that “they (Adam and Eve) would have remained in a state of innocence,” I think this state of innocence is the key point. Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden were in a state of innocence similar to how we refer to children as being innocent. In other words they were not subject to the full weight of accountability. It is important to note that Adam and Eve were subject the the veil and therefore like us could remember nothing of the pre-earth life. So similar to little children
   as Mormon explains in Moroni 8:8 “they are not capable of committing sin”. But like little children if they do something wrong they still get in trouble and receive some punishment from their parents but don’t have the full burden of accountability. This principal is widely practiced even in society where we don’t punish to the full extent a minor who has broken the law but they still get some punishment. Adam and Eve needed some time in the Garden of Eden to learn in an environment without full accountability. This is an experience that everyone coming to earth needs it just so happens that for most of us that time occurs as small children. It is key to allow for justice. There is no justice in punishing the ignorant to the fullest extent possible.

   Anyway I am not a scripturian but I thought this is maybe a widely
   misunderstood point. Plus the word transgression is used a ton in the standard works, particularly in the Old Testament. I can’t see any distinction between it’s use and sin and making it mean something special just in relation to the fall doesn’t make sense to me. The dictionary certainly thinks the words mean the same thing. So if you want to make this distinction between sin and transgression it is not important if is against the law or inherently wrong so much as whether or not the person/people acting are subject to the full level of accountability.

   The garden experience was really valuable in helping Adam and Eve know how to be parents and help kids transition from innocence to accountability. The fruit was the mechanism that allowed for all of this for them. Truly the fruit of the tree of Knowledge of good and evil.

   Thanks, Love the pod-casts. Keep up the good work.

   Robert Z.
   Houston TX
   Sorry for the long email. Got a little excited for my first TWIM email. I
   hope this all made sense.

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