Ancient Myth and Imagination

We begin by examining Genesis’ creation stories and Noah’s flood narrative, highlighting parallels with other ancient mythologies like the Sumerian Enuma Elish and the Epic of Gilgamesh. These myths, shared across cultures, were reimagined by the Hebrew people to emphasize God’s order, goodness, and humanity’s divine image, countering violent and chaotic origins depicted in other traditions.

The session transitions to the broader Hebrew imagination, which sought to define a unique community identity through laws, rituals, and prophetic calls for justice. Jesus is presented as deeply embedded in this tradition but reinterpreting it. Through his teachings, Jesus shifts focus from exclusionary practices to inclusivity, compassion, and care for the marginalized.