Paradise Lost

Although the story of Genesis, about how God created the earth, animals, man, etc., is one of the most dramatic and entertaining in the bible, the thing I find most interesting about it is that when you compare and contrast it to John Milton’s version, how we find what most people consider the current story of Genesis.
We discussed in class how the apple is not present in the original story of Genesis and how Eve’s role has changed through Milton’s version and become widely known as the correct story.
The reason I find this interesting is basically my whole view of…the bible, history books, biographies etc. History is slanted, and it is usually slanted in the author’s favor. How have we come to our current version of history? The bible versus John Milton’s Paradise lost is a perfect example of how through time stories can be changed to be more sexy, make a figure look better, or cover up any negative actions that may have occurred.
George Washington didn’t cut down the cherry tree, Abe Lincoln wasn’t straight…are these facts that will destroy our current society? Probably not, but were important ideas in their time.
This brings me back to my main point. Not unlike John Milton’s Paradise Lost, the bible was an important story for its time. Where Milton challenged the original story in script to create deeper thought about the bible, the bible itself was a tool to teach morality, spread the author’s agenda; like no shellfish, (I know the author just hated some fisherman or was trying to start the first McDonalds, lol) and to picture a higher version of historical events.
So, why is this a major tool that governs our society today? I am NOT the right person to ask. I believe that we have evolved enough as a society, with rules that govern our morality and keep the good people good without the need of a dusty old story book. But for those that need it to guide their hearts and souls, I am all for it, just don’t use it as a tool for hate or judgement against other people and their ideals.
My last thought and I don’t know who I am quoting but it goes, “The winners get to write history”. The winners have written a great story but facts and education have it unraveling at the seams.