Mesopotamian religion manifested a number of characteristics that
would later be incorporated into Western religions, including
Christianity. Gods were exulted into transcendent, omnipotent beings
without human qualities. Although the gods were not entirely removed
from interacting with humanity, they were viewed as beings that could
not be controlled by magic. The separation of humanity from the gods
had a significant impact on the belief system.
Humans were expected to resign themselves to their fate, to submit
themselves completely to the gods, and to trust them completely,
hoping that everything would work out well in the end. For the first
time in history, piety was equated with submission. However, unlike
Western religions, there was no belief in an afterlife.
Society also developed a stronger spiritual consciousness. Hymns and
prayers were recorded that have survived to the present. "In most of
them the gods are addressed as exulted beings who are concerned with
Justice and righteous conduct on the part of humanity, although the
distinction between ceremonial and genuine morality is not always
sharply drawn. It has been asserted by one scholar that these hymns
could have been used by the Hebrews with little modification except
for the substitution of the name of Yahweh for that of the Chaldean
god." (page 66)
The concept of human beings being sinful reached new levels of
intensity. "Mortal creatures could not be compared with the timeless
beings who dwelt in the heavens and guided the destinies of the earth.
Humans were lowly creatures, sunken inequity and vileness, and hardly
worthy of approaching the gods." (page 66)
"... the Hebrews developed the first sustained monotheism known to
mankind...." (page 90)
Source:
World Civilizations, seventh edition, Burns, Ralph, Lerner, and
Meacham, W. W. Norton & Company, Inc., 1986, Volume 1 (see above for
specific page references)
Sincerely,
Wonko |
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