Final answer:
According to Christian theology, God created life but the disobedience of Adam and Eve introduced death to mankind. Their actions in the Garden of Eden led to humanity's fall, necessitating salvation through Jesus Christ, who offers eternal life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question 'Who brought death and life to mankind?' touches on a theological concept predominantly found within the Christian faith. According to the Hebrew Bible, as outlined in the book of Genesis, God is the creator who brought forth both life and death into human existence. It narrates that God formed the first man, Adam, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and subsequently created Eve, who would become the mother of all the living. However, it was their disobedience by eating the fruit from the 'Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil' that brought death to mankind, as this act led to their expulsion from the Garden of Eden and prevention from accessing the 'Tree of Life'. As such, eternal life could have been within reach, but it became inaccessible due to their actions. This story is foundational in Christian belief to understand the origins of sin and the subsequent need for salvation, ultimately fulfilled through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who offered the possibility of eternal life in heaven to humanity. Additional biblical narratives further elaborate on the concept of life and death at the hand of God, such as the great flood in the days of Noah, where God, displeased with the wickedness of humanity, decides to start anew with only Noah's family surviving the catastrophic event. Similarly, instances in Exodus depict God as the arbiter of life and death during the plagues of Egypt and the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness. Christianity's understanding of this subject is rooted in the belief that Jesus Christ's death and resurrection offer redemption and the hope of eternal life for believers. This signifies a transition from the consequences of Adam and Eve's actions to the redemptive work of Christ on the cross.