Faith
New York Times Faces Backlash Over Biblical Misstep
In a world where the battle between serving God and attempting to supplant Him rages on, it is no surprise that modern leftist ideologies often find themselves at odds with the core tenets of Christianity. This conflict has recently been highlighted by a glaring misstep from The New York Times, which has drawn sharp criticism for its misrepresentation of a fundamental Christian principle.
The incident in question arose from a book review published by the Times, which mistakenly portrayed the biblical story of original sin as a tale of “innocent curiosity.” This error, found in the opening paragraph of the review, has sparked a wave of rebukes from various conservative voices on social media.
The book under review, “Original Sin” by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, delves into former President Joe Biden’s cognitive decline and the subsequent cover-up by those around him. However, it was reviewer Jennifer Szalai’s attempt to draw a literary contrast that led to the misinterpretation.
“In Christian theology, original sin begins with Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge. But Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson’s ‘Original Sin’ chronicles a different fall from grace,” Szalai began.
The problem arose when Szalai described the biblical narrative as being about “the danger of innocent curiosity,” a characterization that fundamentally misunderstands the essence of the story. As the serpent in the garden tempted Eve, saying, “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Gen. 3:5), it becomes clear that the sin was far from innocent—it was a willful act of defiance.
Critics were quick to point out this error, emphasizing that the story of Adam and Eve’s fall in the garden of Eden is not about “the danger of innocent curiosity.” It’s about humankind willfully sinning and creating separation from God that Christ later came to bridge.
Some have suggested that the Times engage more deeply with Christian perspectives, proposing that a better understanding of these beliefs could improve reporting.
This incident underscores a broader issue within mainstream media, where certain narratives often overshadow traditional values and biblical truths. As these narratives continue to be pushed, it becomes increasingly vital for Christians to stand firm in their faith and advocate for the truth.
While Szalai’s error may not have been intentional, it serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting religious beliefs, especially those that have shaped the moral and ethical foundations of our society. Just as Eve’s sin was not “innocent,” neither was this oversight by the Times.
In these challenging times, it is crucial for believers to remain vigilant and committed to upholding the principles of faith, family, and freedom that have long defined our great nation.
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