I am very in tune with your train of thought, brother......we know that the Bible is a compliation, 66 books agreed upon by Nicean Council in 325 AD, which were authored by some 44 different authors, over what some approximate as close to a 1600 year period. I wholeheartedly believe that Genesis, along with many other books of this great Book of LIFE is a book of allegory, which is fact veiled and steeped in knowlege of the Ancients. This knowledge was passed down through Oral Tradition (hmmmm, similarities?), and scholars attempted to interpret, translate, and write down books based on their interpretation of said traditions. Scholars have speculated that the actual Garden of Eden is in modern day Iraq.......My Brothers, what other names was Iraq referred to by the Ancients? Mesopotamia, Babylon......doesn't seem like it to US today, but this is definitely HOLY land. My theory on that apple and that knowledge is that Man became aware of and wanted Knowledge of HIMSELF, before GOD thought he was ready. This "knowledge", or "fruit", is part of our two pronged goal in lifelong study and investigation as Masons----Knowledge of Self, and The Pursuit of TRUTH.......Adam's curiosity and disobedience was seen by GOD as a lack of DEpendence on HIS good works, so GOD cast him out and forced him to develop INdependence, through hardship and a renewed ignorance, or lack of knowledge. So, the very thing Adam sought was the very thing GOD kept away from him due to his disobedience. Today, I see obedience to GOD as a way to gain this Knowledge of Self and pursuit of TRUTH..........We can learn from Adam's mistake in two ways----choose our "fruit" as GOD offers it to us, not when WE think we're ready, and next, DEPEND ON GOD instead of trying to figure LIFE out on our own...........just my opinion and two cents, Brothers.........Fraternally, Bro. Vincent C. Jones, Sr., Bayou City Lodge #228, PHA, Houston, Texas