I try to use other forums for discussions about Scripture. The SSI blog wasn't really designed for that, since that's one of about two or three subjects that will quickly engulf sports. Klat set me up a "That Prophet" (Deut. 18:15) site a few years back; they're friendly to the territory. However, even those here who take Scripture seriously (and there are many) didn't frequent it much.
For the moment, we have two options in my view:
(1) Please put the same post anyplace on D-O-V, and
(2) If there is some activity I'll quickly set up an article stub.
For the moment, I'll say that I don't believe that Gen. 3:18 (in letter or in spirit) is leading us to believe that no spiny plants of any species, or indeed any defense mechanisms for plants or animals, existed before the fall of man.
I believe that it's natural and easy to understand the text in a more accurate way. "Bring forth" (multiply) and "curse" is a key idea in the whole section, that certain blessings (prosperity) would be retracted and certain curses (lack of protection) would be installed, all in a measured and constructive way. "From this time, the earth isn't going to be quite as friendly a place for you. Challenges are in order now."
Christians also would look around at the physical creation and call it a beautiful place, despite the roses on thorns. The Divine reaction to man's determination to become His enemy was rather gentle if we consider it from the point of view of a sunset :- )
Gracias amigo! We can talk all we want within set D-O-V articles, or I can (or you can) set up a WordPress blog for the purpose. Please feel free also to visit the sites sumnerchurchofChrist.org (where I work) and the archives at http://www.mvchurchofchrist.org/blog. It's the BJOL of such Q-and-A. :- )
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The real queasy feeling that many Christians have is that if the earth is very old, then life shoulda evolved, no problem. I've explained that this concern is misguided.
Such as in this January 2015 article on the improbability of the first DNA molecule. A 10 followed by 10 zeroes (14 billion years) number means nothing in the context of a 1-in-googolplexES shot. :- ) If the earth were 6,000 years old, or 6,000 quadrillion years old, it's the same setback for the DNA problem. You have time "pennies" against DNA trillions of dollars.
Among many other problems. There's a reason they make up the fantasy of a jillion Giant Bubble Machines.