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7.136 Why did God place the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the Garden of Eden?

Join Dr. Alan Padgett as he helps us explore the theological meaning of the Tree of Knowledge in Eden.

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In this thought-provoking episode of the Enter the Bible podcast, hosts Kathryn Schifferdecker and Katie Langston sit down with Professor of Systematic Theology and The Northwestern Lutheran Theological Seminary Chair of Theology of Luther Seminary, Dr. Alan Padgett, to delve into the theological significance of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden of Eden.

Together, they unpack the symbolism behind the trees, the complex nature of good and evil, and the profound impact of Adam and Eve’s choices. The discussion also covers free will, the promise of paradise, and how humanity’s moral understanding has evolved over time. Drawing inspiration from C.S. Lewis’s reimagining of the Eden story, this episode offers deep insights into the biblical narrative and its relevance today.

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Katie Langston

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Alan G. Padgett

Alan Padgett has been on the faculty at Luther Seminary since 2001. Following a call to the ministry, he graduated from Drew University (M. Div., 1981). After serving full time in pastoral ministry he studied at the University of Oxford (D.Phil, 1990). A United Methodist minister, he coordinates Methodist studies at the seminary as well as teaching classes in systematic theology and ethics. Padgett works at the intersection of theology, biblical studies, philosophy and the sciences. His most recent books include the Blackwell Companion to Science & Christianity (co-edited with Jim Stump, 2012); Introduction to Philosophy: Christianity and the Big Questions (with Steve Wilkens, 2018); and Ecotheology: A Christian Conversation (co-edited by Kiara Jorgensen, 2020).

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Kathryn M. Schifferdecker

Kathryn M Schifferdecker came to Luther Seminary as an assistant professor of Old Testament in 2006. Ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in 2001, Schifferdecker was associate pastor for five years at Trinity Lutheran Church, Arkdale, Wisc., before coming to Luther. Schifferdecker is a frequent contributor to workingpreacher.org, Word & World and the author of Out of the Whirlwind: Creation Theology in the Book of Job (Harvard University Press, 2008). She is currently writing a commentary on the book of Esther.

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Katie Langston

Katie Langston is a doubter by nature and a believer by grace. She grew up Mormon in a small Utah town and still isn't sure she fits in anywhere sophisticated enough to have a Target. She's the author of Sealed: An Unexpected Journey into the Heart of Grace, an acclaimed spiritual memoir about her conversion to orthodox Christianity. Katie works as the director of digital strategy for Luther Seminary's innovation team, where she oversees digital projects aimed at cultivating vibrant Christian spirituality in a post-modern, post-Christian cultural context.

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