Trees of the Ancients – Tree of Life E2

In 'A Secular Age', Charles Taylor explores the transformation of Western society from a pre-modern world where belief in God was inescapable to a modern secular age where believing in God is just one option among many. Taylor argues against the 'subtraction story' of secularization, which posits that religion has been removed from society. Instead, he describes a complex historical process involving the Reform movement in Christianity, the rise of disciplinary society, and the emergence of exclusive humanism. The book examines how these changes have affected the conditions of belief and unbelief, and how they have shaped modern social forms, moral orders, and spiritual experiences[1][3][4].

In 'Trees and Kings', William R. Osborne examines tree metaphors in the texts of Israel's writing prophets, specifically Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, comparing them with tree imagery from the ancient Near East. The study aims to understand why prophets often use tree metaphors and how these metaphors reflect both Israelite and broader ancient Near Eastern cultural practices.

Echoes of Eden provides a detailed investigation into the story of Eden, examining its symbolism and significance within biblical Hebrew literature. The book offers insights into the narrative of Genesis 2-3, exploring themes and motifs that have been influential in religious and cultural contexts. It aims to establish a comprehensive perspective on the Eden story, contributing to a deeper understanding of its role in biblical traditions.