Bible Question:
I'd like to compile a list of "Things not in the Bible, but people think they are" and am looking here for help. Examples are, "God helps those who help themselves." is NOT in the Bible. (at least I'm pretty sure it isnt.) People think the forbiden fruit was an apple, but the Bible only says "fruit" "Money is the root of all evil" is NOT in the Bible. Can you guys help me out with this list? Thanks! |
Bible Answer: I think I have an answer to the fruit thing. In The Song of Solomon 2:3 is says "Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men. In his shade I took great delight and sat down, and his fruit was sweet to my taste." Some early church speculations, Gnostic if I'm not mistaken, suggested that the original sin was sexual in orientation. Hence, Adam's "apple" in correlation with the passage in Song of Solomon which uses familiar terminology for a man's love. I don't know that I hold to this view as truthful, but in the pursuit of truth, I at least consider the possible credibility of the concept. I'm undecided. Hope this sheds some light on where the phrase came from. Ancient |