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A Brief History of Judeo-Christian and Western Religious/Spiritual Views, Myths, and Symbols

A Brief History of Judeo-Christian and Western Religious/Spiritual Views, Myths, and Symbols. American Literature Mr. Allen—OCHS. Genesis: Story of Creation. In the beginning…. 1. God creates the heavens and the earth, light, and the sky. 2. God then creates land, vegetation, and animals.

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A Brief History of Judeo-Christian and Western Religious/Spiritual Views, Myths, and Symbols

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  1. A Brief History of Judeo-Christian and Western Religious/Spiritual Views, Myths, and Symbols American Literature Mr. Allen—OCHS

  2. Genesis: Story of Creation In the beginning… • 1. God creates the heavens and the earth, light, and the sky. • 2. God then creates land, vegetation, and animals. • 3. Finally, He creates Man in his own image, and in Genesis 2, makes a Woman (Eve) from Adam’s rib.

  3. Eden: Story of Adam and Eve, Original Sin Naked, and no shame… So Adam and Eve live in the Garden of Eden together for a time. But God has told them not to eat from the tree in the middle of the garden, because it will make them mortal. The serpent tells Eve that she will not die, but become like God, knowing both good and evil. Eve takes the fruit from the tree, then gives some to Adam and he eats as well. When God finds out, he curses both Adam and Eve, and forces them to leave Eden.

  4. Early Views About Satan Reputation is everything… • Satan first appears in the bible in the book of Job (as far as I know?) • In the book of Job, Satan is interpreted to mean “adversary.” • During most of the OT, Satan is absent, and evil is the fault of man—due to original sin. • Satan becomes more and more well known as Christianity spreads, and takes on some of the qualities of the old European pagan gods.

  5. The Devil, Hell, and Damnation Texts and Legends Book of Revelation Inferno by Dante Paradise Lost by Milton Witchcraft Jewish Targets Sin becomes the product of Satan acting in the world.

  6. Symbols of Good/Holiness Ironies? • The color/shade of white • Doves • Purity • Cleanliness • Wealth • Sunlight • Cross/Crucifix • Humility

  7. Symbols of Evil and Bad Omens Darkness/blackness Religions/symbols that were non-Christian Beliefs outside orthodoxy or dogma The forest The unknown Fire The color red

  8. Protestantism vs. Catholicism Are you a Papist, or a Lutheran? • Until Martin Luther, almost everyone in Europe, aside from a Jewish minority, was Catholic. • Luther said that people did not need to worship through the pope or have their sins absolved by the church, but could ask God directly through prayer and reflection. • Catholics believe that the Pope is the head of the church, and that all communication must go through members of the church; hence the practice of confession.

  9. Early American Symbolism Indians and Witches and Bears, oh my! • The forest, because it was unknown, symbolized the wilderness, evil, and darkness. • Witchcraft was something nearly everyone believed in—it was commonplace to find witches doing evil things. • Indians were called heathens. They were thought to be uncivilized, wild, and lesser human beings. • For Puritans especially, life was supposed to be a struggle of good against evil. Life was not to be enjoyed, it was lived to show obedience to God’s will.

  10. Sexuality Close your eyes and think of England… • Female: • The “weak” sex. • A proper lady was supposed to have no or little desire for sex. • Sex was only for the purpose of recreation. • Virginity was expected when women were married. • Male: • Prostitution was frowned upon but not entirely illegal. • Men were known to have strong sexual appetites. • In terms of social status, Men dominated Women.

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