I would like to think that my feet are very fashionable in their unadorned state.

And unlike formula (which is useful if breast milk can't be obtained), I can't think of a useful reason for my running shoes.

Well, fashion statements maybe…but then we get into that whole vanity thing. LOL

Kind of like formula vs breast milk. It's hard to improve upon the original.

Clynton, as usual, you've written and interesting, thought provoking post.

I think you are correct in your analysis of one of the ways that the story of Original Sin has impacted people. I believe that story myself and have seen how it has affected me. I also believe that people have come to view that story in such a way as to rationalize frailty and weakness.

However, I don't think God intended for that story to be used as a crutch. It's not meant to say that we are messed up so we have no other choice. In fact, it is quite the opposite; I think it is meant to illustrate what happens when we stray from what we were designed to do. Once Adam and Eve did what they weren't intended to do (disobey God), then things went to hell…literally.

If anything, I think this story should be an illustration as to why we SHOULD be running barefoot. Initally, we were running around without ANYTHING on. While I'm not necessarily in favor of that (obesity rates being what they are and all) the fact that when we go against what we were designed to do, things break. We weren't designed to run in squishy shoes. We weren't designed to slam our heels down with a straight leg. Even if you view the world as having been torn apart by disease and death, an evaluation of how the modern human foot looks STILL points to the fact that we should be kicking off our shoes before running. Whether you believe we evolved to this state or were created in it, the truth remains: running in shoes = bad!

At 6'5″, I've had back problems almost my whole life. Almost…meaning that last year when I “discovered” the barefoot lifestyle things changed. Now I'm either barefoot or wearing my Vibrams as much as possible. Since then, almost all of my back pain has gone away. (The only time I have it now, is when I have to wear dress shoes to work.)

So as someone who wears his Vibrams to church every Sunday and uses it as a tool to spread the word of barefoot living, I say we use the story of Adam & Eve to show those who believe in it why we SHOULD be wearing shoes.

Excellent post as always!!!!