“Knowledge is the only fountain both of love and the principles of human liberty.”

WOW, when Waffler makes a statement I completely agree with — ummm, it is amazing. Anciently, Hebrew words (nouns, adjectives, verbs, etc.) that translated into "knowledge" had meanings identifying knowledge as being finite, intrinsic with truth, love, faith and was the basis of wisdom. In other words, if that which past as knowledge did not include truth, love, faith and lead to real wisdom it was NOT knowledge but rather, just a gathering of falsely interpreted data, information, scholarly facts and figures, evidential findings, etc. Kudos to Waffler, is that religion or science. I submit, true religion and real science are indistinguishable. 

Interesting.  Is that one of the reasons the fruit of the tree of 'knowledge' of good and evil was forbidden?  Because it was finite and introduced a concept foreign to 'truth' and the infinite possibilities of heaven?  Apparently such 'knowledge' condemned perfect and immortal man to a mortal and 'fallen' existence.  Why put such a tree in the garden in the first place, not to mention a talking and tempting serpent...? I get a sense that the 'knowledge' spoken of is missing something in the translation.

I absolutely agree with you, the Divine sense and meaning of the term or concept “knowledge” is lost in translation by societal linguistics, scholastic endeavors / prejudices and corporeal use, etc.

It is my belief (which differs from faith and knowledge) that the tree of knowledge of good and evil held multiple purposes. To start the list; God’s will concerning freedom of choice / self-determination is a primal foundation of/to His progeny’s life (lives). I believe rights are inalienable to each noble family member and the best way to demonstrate the principle is to allow an inexhaustible choice between good and evil. The Hebrew feminine noun חֻפְשָׁה chuphshâh (Pronounced, khoof-shaw’) that translates into freedom literally means the right to choose (rights are more closely associated to justice than law). Though we will be judged for our acts (2 Corinthians 5:10, Revelations 20:12, 13, etc.) self-preference still reigns supreme. Even grace, though given freely, is received by freedom of choice.

ALSO, In Genesis 1:28; “God said unto them, "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth,” It is an observation of mine that, the “Garden” was of such a jurisdiction that children were not part of the equation? Procreation was of a lower, mortal or fallen state of being (transgression) but was a choice of Adam and Eve's. I also believe that from the greatest existences of intelligence and cognizance to the lowest (Celestial to man’s carnal existence), the greater fully comprehends the lesser while the lesser does not fully comprehend the greater. The fruit of the tree (literal and/or symbolic) was the methodology that the Lord chose for such transition. The prefix “re” added to “plenish” here doesn’t mean again but rather a furtherance of a Hebrew linguistic pattern used for emphasis. The Lord is here emphasizing being very fertile / fruitful and multiplying.

As to a talking serpent. Within the Garden’s jurisdiction, did other sentient beings speak? (-; I say hmmm??? dunno ;-) The Christ was known as a healer or Savior with other titles. “Save” and/or salvation is another term(s) that is lost in translation. The Hebrew verb חָיָה châyâh, or ḥāyâ (Pronounced, khaw-yaw’) literally, figuratively and causatively means: to nourish or give sustenance to survive, to keep or make alive (make whole or perfect). Every symbolism of Christ that I’m aware of has been replicated and used by the adversary. By example: The “rod of Aaron” had a snake carved around the almond staff with 2 red stones embedded into its eyes symbolizing the Christ. In Pharaoh’s court Aaron’s scepter was thrown down to become a serpent eating all the magician’s serpents. In the wilderness, Moses raised the scepter for all to see so that they be nourished and healed from serpent bites; etc. Why the symbolisms? I’m still learning, I don’t have that knowledge yet.  Too little, too much ? 😁

I here do give personal first hand testimony with spiritual "knowledge" that, the sojourner that is now called Jesus in scripture was/is my personal Savior.