As there were multiple cultures, countries, and cities in the early days, it also follows that there were multiple creation myths. While fascinating, it is also important to have an overview of these various stories. They were stories that the Hebrews would have been familiar with. People that lived around them would have subscribed to these stories just as much as the Hebrews subscribed to their beliefs. While a complete description of all creation myths could fill a book, I’m going to try to give a brief overview of some of the major beliefs that the Hebrews might have come in contact with. In today’s post, we’ll cover the basic Hebrew creation concept. Future posts will cover Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Babylonian, Greek, and Roman beliefs. From St. Joseph: “God’s heavenly seat rests above the superior waters. Below these waters lies the firmament or sky which resembles an overturned bowl and is supported by columns. Through the openings (floodgates) in its vault the superior waters fall down upon the earth in the form of rain or snow. The earth is a platform resting on columns and surrounded by waters, the seas. Underneath the columns lie the inferior waters. In the depths of the earth is Sheol, the home of the dead (also called the nether world). While studying the Hebrew conception of the world, we have not only do have the Biblical example of creation to read, but graphics developed by scholars. Genesis: Chapter 1 has a description of the formation of the world, giving an outstanding view of how the Hebrews would have viewed the world. I suggest reading various Bibles to see how the word descriptions vary (not to argue about various points, but to appreciate the adjectives, and expand ones’ view). From the “Archaeological Study Bible, p. 5, ‘Ancient Creation Narratives’” (which I recommend to everyone to buy! This is an indispensable resource!) “The Genesis account implicitly challenges the claims of these ancient creation myths by affirming God’s unity and sovereignty, by portraying the heavenly bodies and great sea creatures as his creations and by presenting humans as God’s stewards—and indeed image bearers—rather than as an after-thought born of divine need or laziness.” Sources: Catholic Book Publishing, “St. Joseph Edition, New American Bible.” New York, NY: Catholic Book Publishing. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, “New International Version: Archaeological Study Bible.” Zondervan Corporation: Grand Rapids, MI, 2005.
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About a year ago, I published a devotional in a book called “Faith and Finances.” The book focused on what God teaches us about money- the basic being that money itself is not evil. However, Christians must learn to balance between squandering our money and hoarding our money. An added benefit of saving money is that one can give more, a valuable and good thing, provided we verify that our charity is going to beneficial causes.
So, how does one save money? One way is to spend the time to make use of the many resources online. Online resources include printable coupons, shopping for “points” or “cash back” which you can trade in. (Literally, I’ve gotten back over $250 from collected points!) Another way to save money is to use physical coupons. Yes, I still get the Sunday paper…and I get it just for the coupons. Also, many stores are starting to put a ‘coupon basket’ by the front door in which customers drop off coupons they don’t want and search through looking for coupons they do want. But one of my favorite ways to save money is to use coupon codes when I shop online. Did you know that when you buy from a store, a good portion of them have coupon codes? Coupon codes for a certain percentage off, free shipping, or other deals (such as 2 for $20 video games). Almost all of the major retailers have coupon codes online: Wal-Mart, Target, Macy’s, etc. So, where to find these online coupon codes? Frugal Dad is one of my favorites. First, it is reputable. It has been featured in ‘The New York Times,’ ‘The New Yorker,’ and ‘Kiplinger’ among many others. (I personally verified ‘The NY Times’ feature, making me certain I can trust the others.) Speaking of the site being reputable, it has archives going back to 2007! Trust me, the longer a site has been around, the better it is in general. It shows the site owner is dedicated to what they are doing and are very familiar- probably an expert- with the topic they are writing about. It has coupon codes for a large variety of stores, including coupon codes from Walmart. Just a few of the other stores he features coupon codes for is Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Macy’s (among many, many others). My advice: if you’re looking for coupon codes, check out Frugal Dad, located at: http://frugaldad.com/ Psalm 2: A Psalm for a Royal Coronation 1 Why do the nations protest and the peoples grumble in vain? 2 Kings on earth rise up and princes plot together against the Lord and his anointed: 3 "Let us break their shackles and cast off their chains!" 4 The one enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord derides them, 5 Then speaks to them in anger, terrifies them in wrath: 6 "I myself have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain." 7 I will proclaim the decree of the Lord, who said to me, "You are my son; today I am your father. 8 Only ask it of me, and I will make your inheritance the nations, your possession the ends of the earth. 9 With an iron rod you shall shepherd them, like a clay pot you will shatter them." 10 And now, kings, give heed; take warning, rulers on earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear; with trembling bow down in homage, Lest God be angry and you perish from the way in a sudden blaze of anger. Happy are all who take refuge in the God! |
Jennifer Becker Landsberger
Who am I? Freelance writer (magazines, websites, & copywriting), Catholic, military wife, and Mensan. Double Bachelor's in History & Psychology. Witnessing by charity and love are above all. Studying the Bible and beyond helps me on this quest. Feel free to join my walk into the Bible.
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If you found the information helpful, even a small donation would be wonderful! Thank you & God bless you. ~~~Prayer before Writing-
Oh creator of the universe, who has set the stars in the heavens and causes the sun to rise and set, shed the light of your wisdom into the darkness of my mind. Fill my thoughts with a loving knowledge of you, that I may bring you like to others. Just as you can make even babies speak your truth, instruct my tongue and guide my pen to convey the wonderful glory of the Gospel. Make my intellect sharp, my memory clear, and my words eloquent, so that I may faithfully interpret the mysteries what you have revealed. Categories
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To my readers & fellow writers,
I promise: 1. I will pray that God's grace helps illuminate all of our interactions- both those of simple reading and more active conversations. 2. I will communicate with you respectfully and civilly. These are (rightly) issues which we feel passionate about. But even in disagreements, I will respect you fellow "seekers of truth." 3. I will not fall into negative behavior or words, such as insinuations, exaggerations, blames, or personal attacks. I respectfully ask you to do the same. 4. I will pray we will all find the truth and strive to fulfill the two greatest commandments: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:30-31) This site will occasionally feature paid posts! I always 100% verify everything I endorse. You will not see posts for products or sites I would not use myself.
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