Transcript Spirituality in America

Spirituality in America
Myths of Origin and Creation
Essential Question
From our reading and research into creation
myths and evolution theory, what can we
conclude about spirituality in American
society that will enable us or others to
appreciate the importance of religious
freedom?
What is a creation/origin myth?
A traditional story, passed down through
generations, that explains how the universe,
earth, and life began.
Stories of cause and effect
Highlight both harmony and conflict with
nature—Why?
Creation Stories: Part of the Oral
Tradition
Stories of creation date back much further than
written language, ergo early creation stories were
told rather than read.
Often these stories are called myths today, but
they were as important to the people who told
them as Genesis 1:1-23 is to modern day
Christians.
Why do you think almost every culture has a
creation story?
A rose by any other name…
Creation stories are widely different across
cultures, but they do share some
similarities.
Usually supernatural forces at work
Usually include a talking animal or spirit-being
Usually rich in symbolism
Can tell us basic information about the values
of the cultures they come from.
Evolution and Intelligent Design
In 1859, Charles Darwin published Origin
of the Species, which discussed his theory
of creation and evolution through the
process of natural selection.
It has been a source of heated debate ever
since, even in recent years.
Evolution and Intelligent Design
Intelligent design comes from the push in
recent years to integrate the Christian
creation story with Darwin’s theory.
In this theory, a supreme being aids in
creation…sort of sets the evolutionary path for
us. Then, natural selection takes over.
In this unit, you will discuss the answers to these
questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
What human need is being met through the telling
or reading of creation myths?
What common elements do the various creation
myths share?
What role does symbolism play in creation myths?
In what ways do creation myths relate to the
cultures they represent? HINT: Think about
symbols, characters, values, and basic survival
needs.
5. What is the theory of evolution, and how
does it differ from creation myths or the
ideas of Intelligent Design?
6. Should Intelligent Design be taught in public
schools? What about the theory of
evolution?