Cross-Shaped Creation

I think it was James Jordan (it usually is!) who pointed out that the cross was right at the heart of the original creation, since the four rivers flowing out of Eden must have formed a cross.

Which is interesting theologically when one considers the relationship between creation, fall and redemption. There is the cross prior to and without reference to the fall.


I guess one could also say that the four rivers / the cross suggest universality and the whole world since they represent the four points of the compass.

Where does Jordan get all this stuff? Yes, the Bible, I know. And surely the man is a brillant genius. But this particular point looks like the kind of thing the Fathers would have said? Might go and see if the Ancient Christian Commentary on Genesis mentions it.