It's difficult to leave the opening chapters of Genesis--they are so foundational to our understanding of life on this earth. But before we exit these chapters, we must ask: If Adam and Eve's sin brought "cancer and canker sores, tornadoes and tomato worms, asps and AIDS, calamity and cavities, aging and arguing, famine and fat," why did God allow the freedom to eat from the tree?

On the highway of life, God gives us the opportunity to play demolition derby--and not all of the participants signed up for the game. Innocent, unsuspecting people get rammed every day. Is freedom good in light of such painful chaos?

What are the alternatives to freedom? In the recent movie, The Stepford Wives, a female scientist (Glenn Close), created robotic people who lived in a special community after she had murdered her husband and his mistress: “All I wanted was a better world where men are men and women are loved and cherished.” Would it be good if God created a Stepford-like world where brothers can't murder brothers? where children aren't abducted? where politicians don't lie? where terrorists don’t exist?

Nicole Kidman’s husband, Matthew Broderick, was considering “enrolling” her in the Stepford program so that he could hang onto her. But Kidman asked, “These machines, these Stepford Wives, can they say I love you?” The director of the program answered: “Of course, in 58 languages.” Kidman: “But do they mean it?” Then she rushed over to her husband and planted a passionate kiss on his lips.

God created a world in which people are genuinely free--free to do good or to do evil. Why? Because He wants creatures who freely, passionately choose to love him. Do you want to argue with God? Would you like to see a little less freedom? Well, take it up with him when you stand before him.