would be born with original sin. The four functions in myths help us understand the sin stories in Genesis. The Fall of Man utilizes the social function of a myth. In this story, the social function of the myth tells how society should be organized and who should have control. God said Adam and Eve could not eat the fruit from the tree of knowledge in the middle of the Garden of Eden. The serpent tempted Eve and she ate from the forbidden tree. Adam then committed the same sin. By sinning, their eyes were opened to the world of sin and evil. They now could feel guilt and shame. Through disobedience to God, Adam and Eve gained an awareness of good and evil. An example of this can be seen when they first realize they are naked after they have eaten from the forbidden tree. In Gn. 3:16, Yahweh says, “He (the husband) shall be your master. “ This quote in Genesis demonstrates that a man had complete control over his wife in a marriage which was the standard in ancient times. A misconception people saw was that this was not God’s divine plan forever. Women being controlled by men was the consequence of sin. Other punishments were Adam had to work for a living and Eve experienced pain in childbirth. This myth could also explain why we wear clothes. This story demonstrates the idea that in inequality between men and women is sinful.Cain and Abel represent the ethical function in myths. God tells us what values we should hold and how humans should behave. By murdering, Cain violates God’s will. This is not behavior God wants us to portray. God wants us to offer all we have him, which is what Abel did. Abel offered the very best of his flock, but Cain did not do this and offered only some of his crops. Cain wanted a praise that was greater than what God had given Abel. Cain was jealous of Abel because God chose Abel over him. By being envious, Cain was committing sin. Sin is the opposite o...
