Greatest Hits Vol. 1 - OT: Creation

As we start our summer teaching series, “Greatest Hits (vol. 1, the OT),” we begin this week with a classic, “Creation.” Most cultures have a creation account of some kind. For example, The “Enuma Elish” is an ancient Babylonian creation myth. According to the Ancient History Encyclopedia, this creation myth finds the gods being birthed out of swirling waters, which divide into fresh and saltwater. "Apsu" becomes the god of freshwater, and "Tiamat" the god of salty water. From these two gods a host of younger gods are birthed, championed by a younger god, named Marduk. Like many younger folks, these younger gods made too much noise at their parties. Annoyed, Apse plots to kill all the younger gods (can you blame him?). The younger gods hear of the plan and strike first, killing Apsu. This enrages Tiamat who battles with Marduk. Marduk wins and creates humankind from the blood of his enemies. In this creation account humanity is birthed out of violence and power struggles. One might wonder how this foundational myth informed how people in that culture/time lived and related to one another. Likewise, how does the creation account in Genesis 1-2 inform us today and how we live and relate to each other? Let’s explore this question together this Sunday. See you then! ~Aaron