After the presentations on Wed, I enjoyed reflecting over the previous readings we have done and applying the information. The idea that the Bible used ancient myths as sources is interesting. This reiterates the idea that most of these stories exist to teach or apply a lesson to the audience. However, looking over the myth could also be an interesting way to analyze how the bible has evolved from its sources. Second, Andrew’s presentation was also interesting. I have barely glanced at the maps located in the Bible so far. Knowing enough rough geographic information, I did not see a need to use the maps. However highlighting different geographic climate changes within a region was significant. This is because, I was reading the stories in the old testament as if they were all located in the same geographic climate. Now however, using the context of climate, a new bit of information can be added to my findings.
I feel like a lot of stories are repeated throughout history and they vary greatly. There’s a great flood that happens in a lot of other cultures. What I always wonder is, did those things really happen? Did they not happen, but b/c one culture heard this great story of a flood and want a similar story for themselves and they made it up? Or was the story made up in the first place to present an idea rather than dictate actual history and then others copied this convention.
What gives a story meaning? Is it the truth behind it? The moral or message it is trying to convey?
That is a good point. Possibly these stories repeat themselves because they have such grande lessons. The idea that a flood could wipe out an entire population is pretty terrifying, I suppose it makes sense different faiths would use the story to reiterate the magnitude of their lessons.
I really like your question, “what gives a story meaning?” because it got me thinking. As a Catholic I did not learn to take the Bible as historical truth, but rather stories that were meant to evoke a certain emotional feeling to make us want to be better Catholics. The Bible had a meaning for me because while reading grand misfortunes, I felt the sorrow associated with the main characters. In turn, this made me want to be better. Some stories have meaning because of their emotional triumph in good ways too, and these should not be ignored. For example, when Abraham did not have to kill Isaac, I was extremely happy and relieved for him.