While reading the Theogony, I noted how some parts of it do seem very similar to the Book of Genesis. Both pieces of work entertain the idea of some being(s) creating the world out of nothing, as well as this/these certain being(s) craving a relationship with His/their creation, and the story of Jupiter destroying mankind with water was very reminiscent of Noah and the Ark. However, all similarities between the two stop there because the gods in the Theogony are very, very different from the God of Abraham and Jacob.
Genesis Chapter 1, it is written that God Almighty created everything in the universe, and that therefore we as creation are dependent on our Creator. It is also clearly stated that man specifically was set apart from the rest to be made in God's image; with this gift, He allows us dominion over all of creation. Nothing is out of order, unless God ordains it to be for His purpose and plan.
On the other hand, in Theogony, we see that the world's origin was utter chaos and still continues to operate in utter chaos. Unlike God, the celestial beings in the Theogony are just as flawed, if not even more flawed, than the humans they watch over. Not only this, but we never actually see the creation of man in the Theogony. The downfall of man is seriously jaded compared to the story we know from Adam and Eve too. Humans receive punishments from divinities rather than the sin they choose to delve in like in Genesis. "An eye for an eye" was a common thing in the Theogony that was followed, gods included, while God was merciful enough to give Adam and Eve another chance at life despite kicking them out of Eden (He originally said that whoever ate the fruit was to die). Adam and Eve did still die, but God allowed them a beautiful life of raising children and growing old together in between.
I commented on posts by Logan Turner and Haley Riddle.
It is unclear based on Theogony the reason behind the creation of man. I know from outside sources that Prometheus and Epimetheus were tasked with it, but based on the characteristics shown in these works, humankind was created out of pure selfishness so that the gods had someone to worship them. I could be wrong, but that is what it feels like to me.
ReplyDeleteI find it very interesting your view on Adam and Eve's death. I have always been taught that death is only separation from God. Adam and Eve did die by that definition almost immediately. we are told as Christians that we gain everlasting life through Jesus alone and were dead prior to our saving. I think it depends on your definition of death on whether or not they did die initially. I know this is relatively deep philosophical ideas but it is something I ponder about much of. I think if we say Adam and Eve didn't die that poses the question of whether or not God keeps his word. That is beyond terrifying. I purpose that we are so skewed by the worlds idea of what death is that is hard for us to truly understand that passage. In my humble opinion death is simply unreachable separation. That definition satisfies both the current worldly view of death and holds God in his perfection of keeping his word. When a relative dies they are simply in an unreachable state to you and when we are dead before Jesus we are in an unreachable state to God because sinLESSness can not dwell with SinFULness.
ReplyDeleteI’ve always understood that Prometheus was in charge of creating mankind and Epimetheus was in charge of creating beasts. They were both given things to create with by Zeus or at least that’s what I’ve read. I do agree though that the Greek/Roman gods are very different from our God. Our God is merciful and gracious, but He’s also just. The Greek/Roman gods aren’t necessarily always like that.
ReplyDelete