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Reflection Paper Assignment
Alina Frey
Liberty University
BIBL410
Professor: Robert Lytle
November 11, 2025
For my assignment I chose Chapter 7 of Chou’s textbook, “After the Fall—Three Effects
on Human Enterprise,” by R. W. Mackey II. This was a representation that was thorough and
quite interesting. Every facet of our existence and the world we live in is still shaped by the
consequences of sin after the fall. The introduction of sin into creation tarnished what was
previously good and harmonious, as stated in Genesis 3. Even while God first declared his
creation to be "good," sin has tainted the goodness, bringing suffering, death, and
dissatisfaction into the human experience. This corruption does not mean that creation is now
entirely devoid of value, but rather that its original purity has been distorted. Yet, man is sinful,
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the earth and its surroundings are affected by the fall's effects holistically. Author began his
essay by saying that “it is difficult to comprehend the extent of the impact of sin on the entire
planet”. The world has been tarnished by the Fall, which is the introduction of sin into the world
as explained in Genesis 3. Mackey also made a very significant statement: "The world is
"marred" by sin, but that does not imply that creation is evil or worthless. Man was created in
the image of God, and sin has tarnished him, but sin has tarnished everything that is connected
to him," Mackey said.
Francis Schaeffer describes this marring as the “abnormal universe.” He says, “It is
interesting that nearly all of the outcomes of God’s judgment due to man’s rebellion relate to
the outside world in some way; they are not just bound up in man’s thought life; they are not
merely psychological.” Profound changes make the outside, objective world abnormal (Chou, 2).
Mackey Outline three major effects after the fall and the effects on human enterprise:
Communicative Distortion, Economic Scarcity, and Managerial Control. Interestingly, since the
moment sin entered the world, straightforwardness was lost in communication. Barrier-free
communication left creation. Some barriers are intended: The serpent intended to demonstrate
guile toward Eve, and Adam showed guile toward his Creator (Gen 3:12, 15). In contrast to
Jesus' teaching that the agreements made by God's people should "be simply 'Yes' or 'No'"
(Matt 5:37), rationalized, cunning comments took the place of simple, logical evaluations and
replies.. God told Adam, "Because you have listened to your wife's voice and have eaten of the
tree of which I commanded you, 'You shall not eat of it,' cursed is the ground because of you; in
pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and
you shall eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your face, you shall eat bread till you return
to the ground." As Mackie puts it, one consequence of sin was the emergence of scarcity.
Genesis 3:17-19. The synopsis of this chapter may go on for days, but this assignment also
includes a suggestion for how a correct biblical worldview and knowledge of the Fall (and
Redemption) can really change this specific area. When "thorns and thistles" were introduced,
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abundance became scarce, making it hard to grow excellent things while potentially productive
items decayed when left unchecked. Human endeavor, which at first concentrated on survival,
evolved into a conflict with the conditions brought about by sin.
The concept of communicative distortion and its solution has been discussed numerous
times in the Bible, but one passage in particular addresses the problem of communication the
best: James 3:2–3. This passage discusses the idea that the tongue is like a fire: "Because we all
stumble in many ways, if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to
bridle the whole body as well.” Understanding that the tongue is utilized in communication and
that we convey what is on our hearts is essential to having a right biblical perspective on the
tongue. God's salvation of humanity encompasses our communication style as well as our
words. Many individuals don't realize how deeply embedded communication distortion is in the
truths we say and the emotions we convey to one another.
Second, Economic Scarcity is a component of the sin curse on humanity as stated in
Genesis 3: Scarcity and competition plague our human existence today, despite the fact that
man works hard for all of his possessions and that he will have to do so. Matthew 26:11 states,
"For you always have the poor with you. The believer understands that God will make all things
new in the new heaven and earth. That was then, but what about now? What should his
outlook be?" The apostle Paul would respond, "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for
the Lord rather than for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the
inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve." Because those who do wrongdoing will be
held accountable for their actions without favoritism.
Lastly, Mackie discusses the third effect, Managerial Control. He explains that part of
man's sinfulness is his desire to rule and control everything, even things that aren't his. The
biblical worldview that should go along with this belief is that everyone should submit to the
governing authorities because there is no authority other than God and those that exist are
established by God. These curses were not fixed by God, but they will remain a part of creation's
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environment until the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth (Rev 21, 22). Human
enterprise takes place in a problem-filled context that requires constant control. The believer
should trust that all authorities are in God's hands because the king's heart is like channels of
water in the Lord's hands; He turns it wherever He wishes. Therefore, anyone who opposes
authority has opposed the ordinance of God, and those who have opposed will face
condemnation upon themselves. Because rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but
for evil. Do what is good, and you will receive praise from the same. Because it is a minister of
God for good (Rom 13:1-4).
In conclusion, Chapter 7 of Chou’s textbook, as written by R. W. Mackey II, provides a
profound and thought-provoking understanding of how sin continues to influence every aspect
of human existence. From the moment of the Fall in Genesis, the harmony and perfection of
God's creation were disrupted, resulting in a world marred by corruption, deceit, and death.
Mackey’s discussion of the three major effects—communicative distortion, economic scarcity,
and managerial control—illustrates how humanity’s rebellion against God reshapes the very
structure of life on earth. Each effect reflects a different dimension of separation from God, our
inability to communicate truthfully, our struggle to produce and sustain, and our desire to
dominate rather than serve. Yet through this analysis, Mickey reminds readers that while sin has
tarnished creation, it has not destroyed its inheritance worth or God's redemptive plan for
restoration. What stands out the most from this chapter is the reminder that even in this fallen
and sinful world, God's image within humanity still exists. Though distorted, it continues to draw
us toward truth, productivity, and stewardship. A biblical worldview acknowledges that the
effects of sin are real and far-reaching, but it also recognizes that redemption through Christ is
equally transformative. Understanding this balance allows believers to engage the world with
both humility and hope, knowing that while we cannot undo the curse of sin on our own, we
reflect God's glory through obedience, faith, and restoration of what has been broken.
Ultimately, Mackey’s message encourages a response of responsibility and dependence on God.
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Human enterprise, communication, and authority must all be guided by divine truth rather than
human pride. As Romans 8:21 states, “the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to
decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.” Until that final
redemption, our task is to work faithfully within a marred creation, seeking to bring light, order,
and goodness wherever sin has sown confusion and corruption.
References
Chou, Abner, ed. What Happened in the Garden: The Reality and Ramifications of the Creation
and Fall of Man. Grand Rapids: Kregel Academic, 2016. (Pg. 175-184).
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Wheaton: Crossway, 2001. (Genesis 3:12-15, 17-19.
Matthew 5:37, 26:11. Romans 8:21, Romans 13:1-4, James 3:2-3, and Revelation 21 and
22).
