(cont. to end of first sentence on pg. 156) I think it is fun to approach the text as the Fall being, as Danielson is saying here, "at some secret level, something he willed". If God has given Adam and Eve free will yet still wants to remain the highest worshiped being, there would have to be something keeping those two on their toes...God can't be held accountable, though. Even with Raphael sent to warn the pair, it doesn't truly help. They end up partying for God's sake. This subplot adds a depth to God that I find gives the character a new layer of authority.

That being said, I have no religious background at all. I wonder if its more difficult to lose the perspective of the "Fortunate Fall." If I had approached this story of creation from a religious perspective that was very true to me, it would be a difficult lens to shake.

I took "Bible as Literature" last semester and we discussed something similar to this- the phenomenon of people blaming God for bad things that happen to them. "Why would you let me lose my job? I donate to charity every year!" or something like that, for example. If God stifled free will, and had ultimate control without giving choice, it would be giving a free pass for blame. Giving free will to humans adds accountability, and in turn would strengthen their faith in God...and keep God off the hook.

theodicy: vindication of God, explains why God would allow evil

I'm glad this is brought up. I think its really interesting that Milton, a devout Christian, was able to write something that retold a story from the bible- the characters being Christian icons- without needing to convince the readers that God is real/Christianity is the path to salvation. His intention was not to convert readers, but to write! By carefully crafting PL's character relationships, the importance of faith is naturally conveyed through the dialogue between all characters.