This dissertation compares the Bible and Mesopotamian creation myths. Prior to analyze the myths, this paper examined the phenomenon of ``Oriental Renaissance``. This phenomenon refers to the explosion of interest in Mesopotamia in the 19thcentury, be...
This dissertation compares the Bible and Mesopotamian creation myths. Prior to analyze the myths, this paper examined the phenomenon of ``Oriental Renaissance``. This phenomenon refers to the explosion of interest in Mesopotamia in the 19thcentury, because of the clay tablets which began to be excavated from that area. That are awas where the Bible was written, therefore, the comparison between the Bible and Mesopotamian mythologies would certainly give new meanings to the biblical interpretation. This paper compares creation myths, the Garden of Eden, the story of Paradise Lost, Flood myths and the story of the Tower of Bebel which are mentioned in both the Mesopotamian and biblical mythologies. The common myths and stories clearly prove how much Mesopotamian culture affected the Bible. In addition, the Marianism (worship of Maria) created from Mesopotamia is also examined which is generated from Mesopotamian``s urban culture of worshiping goddess. This research helps us to realize significant impact of Mesopotamian culture into the Bible and Christian culture. Therefore, it is vital to study how the Oriental culture has influenced the Christian culture, moreover, its impact on the Bible and Asian culture.