[chuck]Maybe we should just start having these things on Saturdays. In this podcast, Leighton and I discuss our research into how the Old Testament mythology compares to Babylonian creation and flood stories. Is it possible that one derived itself from the other, and if so, which is which?

I take on the creation stories found in the Enuma Elish and Genesis, while Leighton takes on both cultures’ takes on the flood mythos.

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[leighton]

WARNING! Spoilers ahead!

Podcast Summary, Episode #15: Of Babylon and the Bible

Of Babylon and the Bible

 

  1. Charley did research concerning the similarities of the Babylonian creation story while Leighton investigated the flood stories in both civilizations.

 

Prologue

 

  1. Our discussion will surround the outright plagiarism of the Bible where the Babylonian stories of creation and flooding of the world is concerned. It is discovered that Leighton has a difficult time pronouncing Babylonian names.

 

Main Story

 

  1. The Jews were captured by Babylon and this could lead to the reason why they copy, with changes, the Babylonian story.
  2. The creation story, where Babylon is concerned, began because of children within the belly of a goddess making noise and angering a god who blew her up like a balloon.
  3. Is it possible that the Babylonians copied their creation/flood story from their slaves? There is proof in history of a conquering nation taking on the religion of those they conquered; Romans and the Greeks.
  4. In ancient times they were more compilers of traditions instead of creators of traditions.
  5. There are still vestiges within the Bible of the battle with the great sea monster, however those reading the Bible with belief seem to look past these portions without blinking an eye.
  6. Charley and Leighton admit they are anti-Semitic because they believe Greece was a greater civilization than the Hebrews. They also admit they’re gigantic nerds and sexist to boot.
  7. The flood of Noah seems to be a regionalized story when, if you put a little critical thinking, it should be a worldwide phenomenon buried in all myths around the world throughout the varying societies.
  8. The overarching story of the Epic of Gilgamesh is concerning his friend, Enkidu, dying and Gilgamesh’s search for immortality. Enkidu’s death is brought on by Gilgamesh denying sexual relations with a goddess, the Bull of Heaven is brought down, defeated, and then Enkidu tears off the hindquarters of the Bull and slaps the goddess in the face with it.
  9. Utanapishtim is the Babylonian Noah, but he may be smarter than Noah due to his bringing artisans, workmen, etc. had them build the boat and then brought an entire society with him. Both stories have the ark sitting on top of a mountain, both sent out the same birds with the same results, etc.
  10. When Noah exited the ark he “builded” an altar and made sacrifice. Seeing how he only brought on two animals per species which species did he destroy to please God?

 

Epilogue

 

  1. Next week we continue our discussion on ancient histories and their conflicts with the Bible.

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