Dewy McGill on Nostr: The Old Testament provides the fundamental myths and archetypes that have shaped our ...
The Old Testament provides the fundamental myths and archetypes that have shaped our collective psyche and culture (at least in the West). Much of our media draws on these stories as inspiration and many of our laws and morals are based on the sense of justice established in the Old Testament. Some examples:
1. Creation – In Genesis, God sets humans apart from nature, giving them "dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle" (Genesis 1:26). This idea has dramatically influenced our relationship with nature, which many see as something to be controlled or conquered. Contrast this with Eastern philosophy, which largely sees humans as one with nature.
2. Moral Dualism - The story of Adam and Eve establishes the concept of good and evil. Most of us have an inherent sense of guilt and sinfulness that we are constantly having to fight against.
3. Covenant - God's covenants with Noah and Abraham establish the idea of a mutual promise between us and God. This places significance on trust and promises in any relationship, in particular with respect to our relationship with God.
4. Prophets – Prophets such as Isaiah and Jeremiah establish themselves as lone voices speaking out against corruption and calling for a return to divine ways. Many of us value an individual's conscience (i.e. sense of right and wrong) and the courage to stand against societal wrongs.
5. The Hero - Moses, David, and Samson are all great examples of the hero archetype – they display leadership and courage in their struggles against adversity. The idea of a “chosen one” who is destined for great things is a common narrative in many stories.
6. Fall and redemption – There is a recurring pattern of storylines of the Israelites turning away from God, facing the consequences, and then ultimately finding redemption through God. Our culture thrives on the “redemption” storyline - the sense that even when things are at their worst, there is always the ability to make good.
1. Creation – In Genesis, God sets humans apart from nature, giving them "dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle" (Genesis 1:26). This idea has dramatically influenced our relationship with nature, which many see as something to be controlled or conquered. Contrast this with Eastern philosophy, which largely sees humans as one with nature.
2. Moral Dualism - The story of Adam and Eve establishes the concept of good and evil. Most of us have an inherent sense of guilt and sinfulness that we are constantly having to fight against.
3. Covenant - God's covenants with Noah and Abraham establish the idea of a mutual promise between us and God. This places significance on trust and promises in any relationship, in particular with respect to our relationship with God.
4. Prophets – Prophets such as Isaiah and Jeremiah establish themselves as lone voices speaking out against corruption and calling for a return to divine ways. Many of us value an individual's conscience (i.e. sense of right and wrong) and the courage to stand against societal wrongs.
5. The Hero - Moses, David, and Samson are all great examples of the hero archetype – they display leadership and courage in their struggles against adversity. The idea of a “chosen one” who is destined for great things is a common narrative in many stories.
6. Fall and redemption – There is a recurring pattern of storylines of the Israelites turning away from God, facing the consequences, and then ultimately finding redemption through God. Our culture thrives on the “redemption” storyline - the sense that even when things are at their worst, there is always the ability to make good.