by Karen Singer Avrech, Ph.D
In Ameritopia, author Mark Levin points out that Leftist-Progressive ideology strives to create a utopian society. But utopia, Levin asserts, is incompatible with the ideals of individual liberty as formulated by the American Constitution.
The schism between the goal of achieving a so-called perfect society where everyone receives an equal share of wealth, and a society where success is based on free enterprise and individual initiative is delineated in the most fundamental roots of Judaism: The story of the Garden of Eden.
There is an analysis of the Eden story in a fine and scholarly book by Rabbi David Fohrman, The Beast That Crouches at the Door: Adam & Eve, Cain & Abel, and Beyond, which explains the message of the Adam and Eve story. Their choice, teaches Rabbi Fohrman, was between the Tree of Life, one that would grant the utopian dream of eternal life and a worry-free existence, and the Tree of Knowledge which brings awareness of Good and Evil and the burden of mortality.
Judaism does not interpret the Eden story as the downfall of man, nor as original sin. Rather, Judaism understands Eve’s tasting of the forbidden fruit as an act that invokes her very humanity. Adam & Eve and their seed were no longer guaranteed eternal life. However, mankind was given free will, which, argues Rabbi Fohrman, is an opportunity rather than a curse.
Without good and evil, there is no choice.
The Tree of Life represents the utopian ideal of Leftist-Progressive ideology. In this state there is equality but minimal room for individual choice or freedom. In contrast, the Tree of Good and Evil signifies the opportunity for the fulfillment of man’s potential.
Obviously, there are risks of making the wrong choice, but without the possibility of failure there is no authentic free will. This choice represents the position of Conservatives who support a constitutional republic and have no qualms about defining good and evil. Leftist-Progressives work tirelessly to minimize free choice through the power of the regulatory state. They dictate what light bulbs to use, which cars to drive, how much water our toilets and showers use, permissible and forbidden foods and drinks, and now America’s health care system. Inevitably, Progressive-Leftists impose a crushing state controlled equality — a Marxist-Leninist template for the totalitarian state.
On the other hand, Conservatives advocate for free will as exemplified in our constitutional republic. Leftist-Progressives have made a fetish of moral relativism whereas Conservatives insist on the primacy of defining good and evil.
These two conflicting ideologies are, ultimately, as irreconcilable as the The Tree of Life and the Tree of Good and Evil.
I’ve never heard of David Fohrman, but this is not the traditional Jewish understanding of the Garden of Eden story. Whether or not their sin constituted the same kind of fall as seen by Christianity, it definitely was a sin according to the Talmud and other classic Jewish sources. Of course, we live in the post-Eden world in any case, and we have to deal with it’s imperfection.
Levin’s thesis seems clear enough on its own without any scriptural backing, and in fact things are probably much simpler: utopia is not only incompatible with the American ideals, but is just plain impossible and always leads to horrible totalitarianism and tyranny.
That is a rather profound post, Karen. I have enjoyed having theological discussions with a Jewish friend to discover the differences he sees with me over Old Testament scripture.
They are really not so much differences as what is emphasized. (I mean after all all Judaism is the parent of Christianity). I found his explanation of David and Bathsheba to be fascinating – whereas Protestant Christianity simply says that David wanted Bathsheba and had her husband killed. (To do his beliefs justice I should ask him again as I know I will have omitted a portion of Jewish law as to the reason why G*d punished them ).
But Anywho. (to quote a famous screenwriter).
I have thought for years so many of the profound problems of the world are in origin spiritually based, and this explanation is to me just as fascinating and plausible. Certainly goes to the origins of mankind.
I can’t help but think – as I have believed for years – that G*d while telling them not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge knew that they would.
Mankind has for more growth potential with this knowledge.
Posted on Facebook by me, with appreciation.