The Enuma Elish and Genesis

Shalom Class!

The Genesis stories of Creation are not scientific or historical accounts about the origins of the universe and of man. Rather, they are myths that convey profound religious beliefs about who God is, what the world is and where it is going toward, and what is our place in the world as human persons.

The first story of Creation, as you already found out in our class activity is actually based on a creation myth widely accepted among the peoples of the Ancient Near East entitled Enuma Elish or "When on High". More than jusr noticing the similarities however, we need to focus on the differences that the Genesis author made in rewriting the Creation myth. Knowing the historical background of the writing of the text gives us a further clue on the meaning of the Genesis author: he is not just simply editing a story but is making a profession of faith.

With that, here is a copy of my slideshow for the First Story of Creation. Happy viewing!

The Enuma Elish and the Genesis Story of Creation
Israel's Profession of Faith