One of the first things Adam and Eve encountered in the Garden of Eden was temptation. Because they didn’t obey, the Bible tells us, they were cast out into a world where temptation was everywhere, and at every turn.
And so we find ourselves still here. Thanks to their mistake.
At least, that’s what a lot of us think. I’m not so sure.
God allows us free will. He doesn’t demand that we believe; he only demands that those who do believe act a certain way through obedience.
One of the biggest lies an anti-religious person will argue is their problem with the “simplicity” of Christianity, the notion, as they explain it, that all one has to do is say, “Oh I believe!” and that they can then go on and do as they please and they’ll get to heaven.
That’s not how it works, and I suspect that the majority of those who spout these absurd arguments know that.
Believing means seeking a closer relationship with God. Seeking a closer relationship with God means reading His word, spending time with Him in prayer, and following His laws. Following His laws means avoiding the temptations that are out there and making an effort to put God ahead of worldly desires.
What would be easy is living in a Garden of Eden without any temptations. But if we did, would faith really mean anything at all?
One disagreement – most of the folks arguing that do NOT know any different, and that's the rub. They buy in all the way, and aren't open to another perspective. For me, it wasn't that A & E committed a particular action/mistake. It's more in line with what you wrote here, maybe: their belief grew to include something outside their relationship with God. Reality for them was okay without God's input, or disregarding His perspective. They acted outside that relationship, and in doing so they removed themselves from something deeper than just "you obeyed" or even "you believed".