Savior & the Serpent: Unlocking the Doctrine of the Fall

by Alonzo L. Gaskill

Perhaps no doctrine has been more misunderstood, and no historical event more misinterpreted, than the Fall of Adam and Eve. Many Christians assume it was an evil, unnecessary act. Even among Latter-day Saints, there are competing views and questions about what happened in Why did God give Adam and Eve conflicting commandments in the Garden? How much of the story is literal and how much is symbolic? Relying on scriptures and statements from the prophets, Alonzo Gaskill carefully distinguishes between settled LDS doctrine on this subject and popular interpretations. He teaches that the Fall was foreordained to be part of the Plan of Salvation and shows how insights we have gained about the Fall help us find our bearings in dealing with the challenges of everyday life.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Lds, Church, Book Club, Spirituality

239 pages, Hardcover

First published December 31, 2005

Reviews

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is one of those that made me ponder and think more deeply about all that is entailed in the doctrine of the fall. I started reading it out of a desire to better teach the doctrine of the fall in a gospel doctrine class but I ended up realizing you can't teach a lot of this in a Sunday School class because it is far too deep and far to difficult to ensure everyone in the class is at the same spiritual maturity and readiness to learn such concepts. Many of these things are concepts and realizations that members may take years to learn line upon line and precept on precept, here a little and there a little and then further pondering to truly understand and personally apply. It's nice to have it condensed into a book and yet there still takes a certain degree of background understanding to really appreciate all that goes into this book. This is not a book for new members but better suited for those that have been through the temple and are at a place spiritually where they are actively seeking to better understand what they see and hear time and time again there.

I wouldn't say the book is a difficult read but I often felt overwhelmed with feeling there is a vast amount of information I needed to retain (which is perhaps mostly my own fault because I borrowed the book from the library instead of buying the book so I felt a lot more pressure to remember everything I read rather than remember concepts and have the book to refer back to on my shelf). It definitely felt scholarly- which is probably because it was written by a religious professor from BYU.

I did like the book and found the information helpful, informative, relevant and well put together but I didn't LOVE it as much as I did "Eve and The Choice Made in Eden" by Beverly Campbell- and there are many reviewers which feel the exact opposite- and that may just be because of the differences in my understanding of the subject between when I read the Eve book 8 years ago and the Savior and the Serpent book now.

I admit I don't agree with everything in the Savior and the Serpent. There were ideas presented which I still don't accept as fact and just don't "feel" quite right and I don't think all sources are as reliable to constitute something as doctrine. However, there were also many many ideas and explanations that I fully agree with (concepts outside of what you normally hear explained by lay church members). I loved that there were many principles, symbols, concepts and ideas presented in the book that I had previously learned only through personal revelation in the temple (and it was cool to see sources sited that support things I learned simply by the Spirit). I would say it is a good resource and good format for those that want to better understand the true story, the symbolism and metaphor behind this eternally important event... though I think some people will grasp and appreciate the content of the book more than others depending on their own personal readiness to understand and apply the material.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book reviews each verse of scripture, from different books, on the fall of Adam and Eve. The first chapter first explains the situation in the Garden of Eden, and the next compares you and I as Adam and Eve. I wasn't able to finish this book before it had to go back to the library, but I do plan on purchasing it. It isn't doctorine, but it gives you something to think about and ponder about and to make the situation of Adam and Eve much more personal. This is exactly what I was looking for to gain more meaning.

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I perhaps unfairly have given this book only three stars because I read Gaskill's The Truth About Eden: Understanding the Fall and Our Temple Experience first. Savior and the Serpent, published in 2005, seems to have been incorporated into the later book, which was published in 2013. So it was like reading the same book twice.

That being said, I highly recommend anything by Gaskill. I enjoy his faithful point of view and he has given me many new things to ponder re the temple experience and my own eternal life journey.

[Bryany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can not express just how valuable the information is in this book. It has really opened my eyes on the plan of salvation, the fall, and the importance of oppostion in our growth and development. It has opened my eyes in a new way and has give me much to ponder on.

[Mekisha Hecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for better understanding the Fall of Adam and Eve.

[Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good summary of the doctrine of the Fall.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! It has changed and clarified my understanding of the Fall of Adam and Eve. I feel like all of the puzzle pieces that I've accumulated through the years finally fit together (mostly) and I'm excited to continue studying and increasing my understanding. This book is a must-read for putting the fall in the proper perspective. I love Alonzo Gaskill's books.

[VeeDawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this has a lot of things I never thought about before. New insight on the temple.

[Erneilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting thoughts on the symbolism of the Genesis story and its application to us today.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great insights on the fall.

[Aaron Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

good analysis on the symbology of the garden story. easy format to divide everything up

[Ryan Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seems to be an edited down version of his previous book, The Truth About Eden. I like that one better.

[Cort · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's tough sledding, this book.

There are some valuable insight. In several passages, Gaskill notes that Scripture's purpose is not to serve as an historical text, but a means of bringing people to Christ. Much is written in metaphor, and efforts to fix it to historical events only confuse and distract. So Adam and Eve are an inspired metaphor for mankind's journey through morality, and we can learn from their story.

Fair enough. Then, out of the blue, he drops offhanded, literalist comments, like "It is well known that prior to the Fall, Adam and Eve's body did not contain blood." He gets into a confusing tangent about time, the ol' "a thousand years is as one day to God" thing, which is faintly ridiculous, when you consider that time is a mortal construct, not a Divine one. He writes at some length about whether Adam and Eve literally ate a piece of fruit, and whether animals could talk in the Garden of Eden, and a whole lot of similar angels dancing on the head of a pin stuff. His contention that Adam was an adult (another example of literal-mindedness), simply because he named the animals and a child could never have done such a thing, belies an ignorance of the imagination and enterprise of children. A couple of juice box-fueled six year olds could have knocked out the naming of the beasts in an afternoon.)

There are some pretty glaring errors. He refers to the language of the King James Version of the Bible as "old English". The translation is actually early modern English; Old English would be almost completely unintelligible to our ears. It would seem that someone who makes his living teaching religion would know something so elemental.

Invoking the writings of Elder McConkie, he spends numerous pages arguing that in the story, Adam represents Christ, and Eve represents Fallen, Sinful Humanity, which seems an awfully small minded and sexist reading of the Scriptures.

Disappointing.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I've read by Alonzo Gaskill. I find his writing style easy to read and rich in information. The Savior & the Serpent is about the fall of Adam and Eve and attempts to decipher the difference between the literal and symbolic happenings. He covers the whole story pulling from all known accounts and expertly cross referencing whilst highlighting the important parts and mentioning things I'd never thought of before. It is very well researched and Mr. Gaskill is quick to point out the differences between LDS doctrine and opinion (although the opinions are all backed up by impressive sources). Why only 4 stars? There are a few topics that could have been laid out a little more clearly but having said that, I truly learned so much about myself; about how the fall is really a metaphor about our own lives. Well done.

[Brad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gaskill taught my World Religions class at BYU, and it was downright awesome. This book, while still good, doesn't capture the man's sense of humor (which coincided well with my own) or cover material that was as new and eye-opening to me as what we discussed in class. In all fairness, this is a slightly different target audience and the material is naturally more familiar to members of the church.

All of that being said, this is a good discussion of the Fall of Adam and Eve, with an emphasis on Adam and Eve representing you and me, and Christ and his church. Probably the best thing that I take away from it is to think more metaphorically when reading / discussing the Fall. I agreed with a good portion of what he says here, but not quite everything. I guess that's the joy of of book that explores and opines on doctrine.

Rating: G, but too deep for little kids.

[Spencer · Rating 2 out of 5]

A friend recommended this to me but I was quite disappointed. I suppose this book is a good summary of the latter-day saint doctrine of the fall - but to me it is too cursory to take the reader anywhere enlightening.

To read a book full of selected quotes from mostly general authorities and a few scholars, sometimes taken slightly out of context, with the author's own conclusions linking them together can be beneficial for those who are not willing to put the time or effort into searching out the scriptures and words of the latter-day prophets to find the information themselves. But books like these, certainly well intentioned, can deprive the true seeker of the experience of gaining true knowledge - which at this stage in the game may be more valuable than the knowledge itself.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alonzo was my neighbor when we lived in Utah. He is SUCH an amazing person, he is so full of knowledge and his way of explaining things are clear. I have learned so much from reading this book, I also recomend his other book: The Lost language of Symbolism.

GENIUS!

and a great father/husband/neighbor/friend!

(he also teaches a BYU currently previously it was at Stanford)

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every member should read this eye opening book. If you feel you would more fully like to understand the creation and how it applies to you, this book will open your mind to the symbols and reality of what is in plain sight for our learning. My understanding of the gospel has been greatly aided because of this book.

[Debie W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned so much about the the role of the Serpent in the Garden in Eden. The author writes so clearly and supports his points using scripture. The fall is such an important part of my faith and this book helped me to get a better understanding. I would highly recommend this easy to read, informative book, you will have your faith changed for the better.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much of scripture is symbolic. Why not the story of the fall? It is an interesting thing to approach the whole story of Adam and Eve and ask what personal meaning is in it for me. Much of what Br. Gaskil says I have heard before. But he sheds light on many aspects of the meaning of the fall that I had not considered. Always wonderful food for thought.

[Eliza Mansuetto Schade · Rating 1 out of 5]

It some good insights. Nothing I haven't really heard before. It was written in circles and kind of contradicted itself throughout the book. It read kind of like this..."It was a sin to partake of the fruit, wait, no it was a transgression, but still kind of a sin if you want to look at it that way." There were some great quotes from prophets that I did like and enjoy.

[Martha Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explains the scenes in the Garden of Eden and their symbolism. Gaskill gives us insight into the books of Moses, Abraham, temple symbolism, and other scriptures. In the process, he masterfully shows us how thoroughly the Adam and Eve story applies to each of us. This book is worth reading, one that thinking Latter-day Saints need to engage. I recommend it!

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting, informative look at the Fall. It really delved into it, but it was easy to understand. It looked at it in a few different ways, which was also really cool. Most of this was familiar to me because I actually took a Book of Mormon class from Brother Gaskill and we spent an entire class period talking about the Fall, but I really enjoyed reading this book.

[Jenifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually only read books that I get at least two solid recommendations from trusted friends. I put this one on my list because of an extremely well-written review that I can't even find any more. Crazy! Just a little serious for me right now. It was alright. The creation story dissected. I skimmed some.

[Luke Tielemans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best books I have read. This explains a very interesting take on the Fall. It breaks down each phrase or line of scripture, and explains not only the meaning, as well as application to us. If you want to further understand the Fall - one of the three pillars of Eternity - you should most definitely read this book.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book about the fall of Adam and Eve and how we can apply their story to our own lives. Gaskill quotes general authorities throughout his explanations and has a very clear writing style. This book gave me a whole new perspective on the fall!

[Kara Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers great insight into the many meanings of the Fall and its applicability in our lives today. Although I am only reading about a page a day (due to law school reading taking over my life) I am fascinated with the depth of applicability and insight offered.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was full of insights and ideas about the significance of the Fall of Adam and Eve and how relevant their experience is to our experience on the earth. I love books that help me see familiar things in a new light. This book was definitely one of those.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very in depth telling of the Adam, Eve, Garden, etc story. I found the book very insightful, but a bit overwhelming as the author includes so many possible meanings of every aspect of the story that I was left wondering which ideas are the right ones.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very insightful book about the Fall. Helped me gain a better understanding of a sometimes hard topic. If you've ever listened to Alonzo Gaskill lecture, well he reads like he lectures, so hang on.