But there is a darker side to doubt, and the serpent in Genesis 3 has every intention of exploiting it. In this scene, doubt is planted as a way to discredit not so much Eve’s rendition of the facts, which could easily be resolved by waiting for God’s next stroll through the garden. It is used to rupture relational connections. It is one thing to use doubt in the service of creating goodness and beauty, and of enriching relationships. It is quite another to do the opposite.
