Timothy O

I am in a military Chapel in Iraq reading the Bible I found laying on the table. I see the books of Macabees in this bible but not in others. I am curious why the disparity?

Thanks

We learn that Yahweh tells Adam "do not eat of this fruit if you do you will surely die."

We learn that according to the Scriptures because Adam and Eve were no longer qualified to live in Eden, Yahweh curses the land and the animals.

Even so, I can't help but think this was not so much a punishment as it was a consequence for their actions and that Yahweh's message to Adam was actually a warning. Once you eat from this tree you will know things that are not meant for you to know, such as death. We of course learn that Adam fails to follow this advice, and because he knows about the death and how it is evil, he cannot live in a land that is always giving and sustaining life and is good. People knowing these things in this land can contrive to kill one another like Cain did Abel. Yahweh knowing this had to curse the ground and the animals, and divide the equality between man and woman in order to conform to Man's altered spiritual state.

I liken this to when Yahweh allowed the people to choose by lot Saul as their king even though He already knew it was not a good idea.

This makes it hard for me to accept that They were punished. Does anyone have any insight on this idea?

I am in a family that has practiced Christmas for a long time. My wife is in this group as well. I did practice as well but as of late I have become very disheartened by it. I mentioned this to my wife and now she's freaking out. I can understand her attitude but I can't think of a way to work out a solution short of dissolving my marriage and going with my conviction. That was her idea though.

My mother who is a Witness mentioned that she was told if the spouse insists to have these practices that I continue them to keep everything stable, but I don't want that. I offered a compromise where I don't personally involve myself with the decorations and the presents. She says that is no good. Basically I am looking for a suggestion because I am sure this is a common thing. Thanks