Revisiting Eden – A fresh perspective

1.0 INTRODUCTION 

The map shown (originally from Pinterest and Facebook) attempts to depict the nations listed in Genesis 10:6 and the possible location of the Garden of Eden from Genesis 2. While most are familiar with the biblical story of Eden—Adam, Eve, the serpent, and the forbidden fruit—this article explores lesser-known or overlooked spiritual interpretations, moving beyond the common narrative. 

2.0 A DIFFERENT VIEW OF EDEN, FROM BABA JOHANE 

According to Baba Johane and the Gospel of God, Eden was more than just a garden—it was also the site of an ancient church. This church existed for a lengthy period—930 years—and represented the first covenant between God and humanity, sometimes referred to as the Adamic Covenant. Importantly: 

Adam was not the first human. 

Eden was located in Kenya, Africa. 

A church existed in Eden, followed by the Church of Enoch, which lasted another thousand years. 

3.0 ADAM WASN’T THE FIRST HUMAN 

The Bible is not a historical census but a spiritual record of covenants between God and specific people. Some key insights include: 

Jesus is referred to as the “Second Man” in Corinthians 15:47, indicating that “Adam” is symbolic rather than literal. 

Genesis contains narrative gaps. Adam, Eve, Cain, Abel, and Seth couldn’t realistically populate the earth alone—other people must have existed. 

Creation is described twice in Genesis: the seven-day creation and the separate account of Eden, implying different timelines or layers of meaning. 

Genesis 2:18-20 implies Adam might have been among other beings—possibly symbolic ‘animals’—since no suitable helper was found among them. In scripture, people are often represented as animals (e.g., Jesus as a lamb, Satan as a lion, believers as sheep). 

Cain’s story suggests others existed: He feared vengeance from unknown people, married someone not named, and built a city—none of which makes sense if only his family existed. Genesis itself hints at a broader population. 

4.0 EDEN WAS IN KENYA, AFRICA 

Baba Johane referred to Kenya as Eden and used it as a base for his evangelism. Supporting this claim: 

Genesis 2:10 mentions a river flowing from Eden and splitting into four branches. One of them, Gihon, flows through Cush (modern Ethiopia/Sudan), and is linked to the Nile—which flows through Kenya under names like Athi, Galana, and Sabaki. 

Some scholars suggest rivers in Africa, like the Congo or Zambezi, match the biblical description of rivers flowing from Eden due to their mineral richness—possibly tying the biblical Eden to Central or Eastern Africa. 

5.0 EDEN HAD A CHURCH 

Eden was a spiritual center, not a literal playground. God’s presence was through the Spirit, not a physical form playing among trees. Prophets like Adam, Eve, and Abel communicated with God through the Spirit. 

Worship in Eden lasted 930 years, the lifespan attributed to Adam. This era marked the first millennium and connects to the prophetic timeline described in Revelation 20.