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The Eden Option: Choosing a Story 1 Life in a Story 2 World
“When the whole world is running towards a cliff, he who is running in the opposite direction appears to have lost his mind.” —C. S. Lewis The world is accelerating in the wrong direction. It feels like all we’re doing is trying to fix what’s broken. And it isn’t working. We’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and losing heart. Where is God in all this? Well, he’s living a different story. A story he’s inviting us into. Story 1 is the original, true story we were made for. A way of life that revolves around God where we are fully seen, known, and loved. Story 2 is the counterfeit narrative we're born into. A way of life that revolves around us. We make ourselves the hero of the story; then wonder why God seems distant. The Eden Option is a beacon that calls us back to God-reality. It reveals his original de- sign for our lives, how we lost it, and why it matters more than we imagine. When we return to Story 1, we reclaim four traits that Adam and Eve
Eden Union. Eden Voice. Eden Vision. Eden Rest. All are needed for such a time as this. Discover the choice that leads to a new way to live, speak, see, and rest in this restless world. It’s a Homeward Journey that leads not to the Eden of the past...but to the New Eden that awaits.
Eden Union. Eden Voice. Eden Vision. Eden Rest. All are needed for such a time as this. Discover the choice that leads to a new way to live, speak, see, and rest in this restless world. It’s a Homeward Journey that leads not to the Eden of the past...but to the New Eden that awaits.
244 pages, Paperback
Published December 15, 2022
26 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 4, 2023
Another exceptional book from Allen Arnold. It's not a parable/allegory like his modern classic The Story of With, but it's still a really great book. Essentially, Arnold takes us back to the garden of Eden and seats us between two trees: The Tree of Knowledge and the Trees of Life, and much like our first parents, he presents us with a choice. This choice is one of two stories, Story one and story two. Story one is the one that was intended from the beginning. The story that leads to the tree of life. Story two is a lesser story, but the one most of us live under, the one brought on when our first parents decided to choose a deceptive promise over an intimate relationship with God. Needless to say, story one if the preferable story, but how do you get there. The short answer is Jesus, but Arnold goes into greater detail to show us how. This is a really great book that will cause much introspection on our relationship with God. Here's hoping we can all get to story one!
February 5, 2023
I can’t stop thinking about what Allen has said in this book. I think I’ve spent a lot of my effort trying to do things for God instead of creating things WITH God. It’s hard to put into words what this book has stirred within me. So, I merely say, I highly recommend it as you consider what God has for us here and into eternity.
February 9, 2023
If you’re thinking about buying this book, stop reading this review, buy the book, and start reading.
Have you ever had a friend come back from a vacation and describe the place they visited in such a way that you want to go there as soon as you can? That’s what Allen Arnold does in The Eden Option. But what he describes is not a place, but a way of experiencing life, the way it was always meant to be.
I love how Allen can take a familiar story and show you fresh insight. I’ve always identified with the “good son” in the familiar story known as “The Prodigal Son.” As I read Allen’s conclusions about the “good son” and what the overall story was really about, I had to stop, and put the book down and just sit there for a minute, gobsmacked by Allen's wisdom. It had always been there. I just hadn’t seen it until Allen opened my eyes. I’ll never look at that story the same way again.
The Eden Option is one of those books you read repeatedly. I can see making it a tradition to reread it every January to remind myself of the Story I want to live each new year.
The book is incredibly invitational right down to the layout and design. It’s an easy and quick read. I found myself a little sad as I neared the end because I didn’t want the book to end. But truly, it doesn’t end. The Eden Option presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The choice between Story 1 and Story 2 never ends. We must make it anew each morning.
Have you ever had a friend come back from a vacation and describe the place they visited in such a way that you want to go there as soon as you can? That’s what Allen Arnold does in The Eden Option. But what he describes is not a place, but a way of experiencing life, the way it was always meant to be.
I love how Allen can take a familiar story and show you fresh insight. I’ve always identified with the “good son” in the familiar story known as “The Prodigal Son.” As I read Allen’s conclusions about the “good son” and what the overall story was really about, I had to stop, and put the book down and just sit there for a minute, gobsmacked by Allen's wisdom. It had always been there. I just hadn’t seen it until Allen opened my eyes. I’ll never look at that story the same way again.
The Eden Option is one of those books you read repeatedly. I can see making it a tradition to reread it every January to remind myself of the Story I want to live each new year.
The book is incredibly invitational right down to the layout and design. It’s an easy and quick read. I found myself a little sad as I neared the end because I didn’t want the book to end. But truly, it doesn’t end. The Eden Option presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The choice between Story 1 and Story 2 never ends. We must make it anew each morning.
November 17, 2024
Allen Arnold has done it again. His uplifting, thoughtful prose stirs the hearts of his readers to desire more than what this life has to offer, but to strive for intimacy with God and a deeper story.
September 28, 2023
Has a lot of encouraging & inspiring information. Did find it difficult to stick with the book & would put it down for days at a time. Not my favorite book by this author, but I'm glad I stuck with the book & finished it.
March 21, 2023
Allen Arnold has written a small book with a big message about God’s love. He notes that if Adam and Eve wholly loved the Lord then “doubt would have found no home.” (p. 33) Satan plants the seed so we will doubt God’s goodness and believe He is keeping something good from us. Arnold uses the second son’s reaction in the story The Prodigal Son to show that we can believe we are next to the Father, but our hearts are not wholly His.
Arnold infuses his story with reminders of God’s love and that we can only be “fully seen, known, and loved” by God. (p.88) By listing the differences between Story 1 and Story 2 Arnold reveals how far from the Garden we have wandered and how we limit ourselves and make dangerous compromises. Adam and Eve had the prize in the Garden of Eden, but they traded it for fruit and death. Knowledge did not make them greater than God but further from God. (P. 231)
The Eden Option encourages us to move toward God who always sees us from a perspective of love not blame so we can become a new creation. Developing a life with God is about a relationship with Him, not about what we can do for Him. Arnold encourages us to choose the Tree of Life by opening our hearts and minds to see what God has for us. It is “greater than we can ask or imagine.” (Eph. 3:30)
I purchased this book from Amazon and have given an independent review.
Arnold infuses his story with reminders of God’s love and that we can only be “fully seen, known, and loved” by God. (p.88) By listing the differences between Story 1 and Story 2 Arnold reveals how far from the Garden we have wandered and how we limit ourselves and make dangerous compromises. Adam and Eve had the prize in the Garden of Eden, but they traded it for fruit and death. Knowledge did not make them greater than God but further from God. (P. 231)
The Eden Option encourages us to move toward God who always sees us from a perspective of love not blame so we can become a new creation. Developing a life with God is about a relationship with Him, not about what we can do for Him. Arnold encourages us to choose the Tree of Life by opening our hearts and minds to see what God has for us. It is “greater than we can ask or imagine.” (Eph. 3:30)
I purchased this book from Amazon and have given an independent review.
August 27, 2024
Allen Arnold is something of a guru for creatives who want to work hand-in-hand with God.
In fact, his first book is called The Story of With, and it's part Bible study, part parable. I highly recommend reading at least once a year just to refresh your brain on the principles and try to do a better job this time around ...
THE EDEN OPTION investigates and explores the concept of two different story worlds that we can live in. Story 1 is the story life and story world God intended for all of us, and Story 2 is the one we settle for, thanks to rebellion and basic selfish stupidity.
The subtitle on the cover offers hope: THE WORLD IS UNRAVELING, BUT THAT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE YOUR REALITY.
From the back cover: "Story 1 is the original, true story we were made for. A way of life that revolves around God where we are fully seen, known, and loved. Story 2 is the counterfeit narrative we're born into. A way of life that revolves around us. We make ourselves the hero of the story; then wonder why God seems distant.
"The Eden Option is a beacon that calls us back to God-reality. It reveals his original design for our lives, how we lost it, and why it matters more than we imagine."
Read it. Apply it. Break free. Go home!
June 13, 2024
I had the privilege to hear author and speaker Allen Arnold at a writers conference put on by @story_embers this May. He was talking about a concept of the Eden Option where we have two stories to choose from on how we view and live our lives. Story 1: the OG true story we were made for or Story 2: the counterfeit story we were born into. I was immediately intrigued and knew I needed to have his book to read more. It’s a fantastic read with lots of nuggets of wisdom and things to ponder. This book required me to use some colorful tabs so I can go back and soak in more of what I read. Its bite sized chapters/sections are wonderful to take a nice pause and really think about what he and God’s word has to say. I love his voice and calm way of sharing deep things. If you’re a writer or creative, you need to read this book. If you aren’t…I still recommend it!
Next up is his book Risk the Real, so stay tuned for that review.
#theedenoption #allenarnold #whatstoryareyouchoosing #choosingastory1life #christianliving
Next up is his book Risk the Real, so stay tuned for that review.
#theedenoption #allenarnold #whatstoryareyouchoosing #choosingastory1life #christianliving
July 19, 2023
We live as pilgrims for now, but that doesn’t mean we have to live a life apart from the same intimate presence that God offered to Adam and Eve. I think anyone who reads this wonderful book will be revived by the desire to live a Story 1 life (eloquently described in The Eden Option) with our Creator, Savior, Father.
Each of Allen Arnold’s books draws me near to Immanuel, but this book is my current favorite. I paused and pondered many times as I read and highlighted numerous passages to review again in the future.
Each of Allen Arnold’s books draws me near to Immanuel, but this book is my current favorite. I paused and pondered many times as I read and highlighted numerous passages to review again in the future.
February 4, 2023
I appreciated reading this book a lot. It was filled with truths I should know, but too often forget. And Allen did a wonderful job of casting these in a new light. The section on rest and work particularly stood out to me as someone who struggles to rest as much as I should. And so I emerged from the book with more resolution to take these reminders to heart.
(Plus, the format of the book was very fun and original, and I liked that a lot.)
Rating: 4 Stars (Very Good).
(Plus, the format of the book was very fun and original, and I liked that a lot.)
Rating: 4 Stars (Very Good).
February 11, 2023
A Story Already Known
The book spoke to a message God had already shared with me. There are good choices and better choices. Much better. This book brought me to an awareness of living beyond striving and choosing to live in a story beyond me. What is my desire saying as I listen for direction with anything being a possibility. So which fork in the road will I take?
The book spoke to a message God had already shared with me. There are good choices and better choices. Much better. This book brought me to an awareness of living beyond striving and choosing to live in a story beyond me. What is my desire saying as I listen for direction with anything being a possibility. So which fork in the road will I take?
July 17, 2024
A book that is good for the soul. So many good reminders in this story about choosing to live in alignment with God and His plans for our lives rather than chasing what the world says is shiny or desirable.
As always, reading Mr. Arnold's words is like drinking a refreshing glass of water on a hot day: soothing and uplifting.
As always, reading Mr. Arnold's words is like drinking a refreshing glass of water on a hot day: soothing and uplifting.
February 17, 2023
Good insight on why this life doesn't seem to be working, and how we were really created for something (or someplace) more. This makes the division of "worldly life" vs the life we are meant for so distinct. An encouraging read in a fresh and easy to read format.
April 22, 2023
Adam and Eve traded intimacy with God for a self-led story, known in this book as living in a Story 2 World, which is where we live now. By remembering Whose we are and living life daily with him, we can chose a Story 1 Life, one with our Creator right here and now. Very refreshing.
March 26, 2023
The title rightfully intrigues: open these pages and discover a life that is too good to not be true and it is yours!
August 12, 2023
Excellent book filled with biblical connections I had not considered before.
August 13, 2023
Inspiring and transformational!
An inspiring, transformational, and powerfully written call to complete and eternal restoration in God. - MaryAnn Diorio, Author of Fiction
An inspiring, transformational, and powerfully written call to complete and eternal restoration in God. - MaryAnn Diorio, Author of Fiction
September 10, 2023
I loved going through this book slowly and savoring little pieces of it every day. So many encouraging and inspiring treasures in its pages.
February 21, 2024
Great for new believers. It is repetitive but it has some good points.
October 29, 2024
This book inspired and challenged me, not only as a writer but in my faith of God! What a fresh approach to co-creating with my creator!
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October 30, 2025Excellent book for simply but powerfully defining a kingdom perspective for life and practice.
March 8, 2023
The real reality vs. the counterfeit reality
Your insights on the four things Adam and Eve lost and how we can regain them is so encouraging. It is always about choice and who we believe. I loved “Two trees, Two stories…. Choose well!”
Your insights on the four things Adam and Eve lost and how we can regain them is so encouraging. It is always about choice and who we believe. I loved “Two trees, Two stories…. Choose well!”
January 5, 2025
Loved it! So refreshing & challenging. Allen’s style invites you into the journey & I appreciated the scriptures emphasized. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews