I did not know then what Greta Tzien was expressing, and to tell the truth, I thought it presumptuous and even dangerous to explore the motives of the all-knowing Being that is God Herself. But now, toward the end of my presence on this Earth, I ask myself if my mistress’ investigation was not the epitome of faith. For is it not through the quest of discovering the foundations of the Holy that we build trust in it being divine?
Let me apologize for getting ahead. Many years ago I was an acolyte of the truth-seeker, Greta Tzien, and with her, I traveled wide and far. And so was the circumstance that we found ourselves in Paradise on the unexpected summons by God.
As the notion of exchanging superficial pleasantries seemed both awkward and nonsensical, I felt God was pleased to focus on a single issue of concern. With deliberation and care, She told us about, as She phrased it, a distressing event that had taken place a few days before.
While on an evening walk through the Garden of Eden, God had found an apple half-eaten on the trail and quite far from the tree it had come from as if it had been discarded.
God’s reason for bringing the matter to my mistress’ attention was due to Greta’s reputed observational skills and confidence in speaking her mind. God hoped that Greta would be able to provide some insight.
“I see,” said Greta, “and I see Your problem is the following: if that apple had not had human teeth-marks in it, You would have found it under a regular apple tree.”
God carries Herself with poise and wisdom, but here She made a movement of surprise that robbed Her of the decorum of all-knowingness. “Who told you?”
“You told me,” Greta said. “If any other animal of Your creation had availed itself of the apple You would have thought nothing of it because that is the purpose of the Garden of Eden. For all things bright and beautiful to live in harmony with each other. The event must signify a breach of that harmony which could only be orchestrated by someone with a will and cognition all but at level with Yours in order to have the ability to concern You. And if Eve and Adam had feasted on fruits that would do nothing but fill them with sustenance, You would have rejoiced in the providence. Ergo, this particular act of eating this particular apple from this particular tree has upset You to a degree that is heretofore unknown to You.”
“That is it,” God said. “It is all as you say. And now you must also understand the difficult choices to follow.”
“I can see no choice whatsoever,” said Greta. “There is but one regrettable course of action, and I empathize with the urge to seek respite and perhaps even redemption from having to administer such bitter medicine. There is no question that Eve and Adam will have to leave.”
God nodded in both agreement and regret.
“However,” said Greta, “what I find holds room for eternal exploration is Your heavenly intention that preceded this human act. If we are not meant to strive to make the unknown known, if we are not meant to see what has yet been unseen, if we are not meant to break barriers and burn bridges, then why, oh, why would You breathe us into life with willing curiosity?”