It makes sense that Eve, the Mother of All, according to ancient biblical texts eats the apple. I am not suggesting humanity’s fallen condition is great. Or, people should actively do what the so-claimed Creator says not to do. But, how will humanity arrive at any kind of concrete thinking about what the Almighty says, if they aren’t free to choose?

When a child says: “What will happen if I stick my finger in this light socket?” The archetypal parent says: “Don’t do that!” well-knowing the tiny brain of the child cannot absorb an info-rich description of electricity and conductivity in a few short seconds before he achieves his act of discovery…

A child might understand the word: “Ouch.” But, “Don’t do that because I said so,” doesn’t seem to carry much weight. At least not with me. That is not something I am proud of particularly. But, I can see why understanding and exploring is a principle part of humankind’s psyche.

So, exploring and allowing humanity to do foolish things – even bordering on destroying the planet – is a sort of a hands-on lesson. Seems that every generation has its: “Let’s see how much we can get away with! Let’s see if there really is a God!” moment. I believe we are having ours now.

People need to see what is the nature of things. A child puts a finger in a light socket even after being warned not to and says, “Ow!” Later he sticks his finger in a chocolate pudding, he learns: “Yum!”

I suppose wondering then is OK. Exploring is natural. Testing boundaries of rules, conventions, and social taboos and assumptions may be necessary for a person to actually decide which ones are genuinely useful and what are just outdated. discard-able illusions. These can be collective or personal.

Who believes the same things they did when they were young? Well, my friend still likes that Rock ‘n’ Roll group starring Mick Jagger. Mr. Tongue. Sticking out one’s tongue conventionally speaking is a sign of disrespect. Unless you are at the doctor and he is examining you, the slippery protrusion aimed in defiance at an audience is a subtle form of F-you.

I used to think statues of nude people a bit, well, vulgar- like in ancient and pagan cultures. Maybe its my New England puritan heritage speaking out. But I don’t want to see famous men “in all their glory” on parade at the city square. Imagine Bill Clinton or Barak Obama displayed so? Apparently that is a thing in those circles. But, I don’t want to see that. My generation calls this: “Too much Information” TMI.

So, my conclusion is guessing, exploring, and discovering is part of human beings’ “psychic array”- lets call it. This behavior is not in itself wrong or bad. But, its the stubborn ones who have explored and discovered behavior that proves to be harmful -that does not contribute to human happiness and flourishing- but they persist in it anyway who are guilty and wanting. Its upon them whom the punishment of the God they claim does not exist falls. That makes sense.