Cave of Treasures
The Cave of Treasures is a work of early Christian literature that is important in the context of biblical apocrypha and Christian mysticism. It is often attributed to an anonymous author and is believed to have been written in the 3rd or 4th century. The text is primarily a collection of stories and teachings that expound upon the lives of biblical figures, particularly the patriarchs from the Old Testament.
Cherokee spiritual beliefs
Cherokee spiritual beliefs are deeply intertwined with their culture, history, and relationship with the natural world. Central to Cherokee spirituality are several key concepts: 1. **Connection to Nature**: The Cherokee view nature as a living entity, and their belief system emphasizes a strong connection to the earth. They believe that all living things are interrelated and possess a spirit. This connection fosters respect for the environment and the responsibilities that come with it.
Chinese creation myths
Chinese creation myths are a rich tapestry of folklore, legends, and religious beliefs that describe the origins of the universe, earth, humanity, and various natural phenomena. There are several prominent creation myths in Chinese culture, and they often reflect the values, philosophies, and cosmology of ancient Chinese civilization.
Choctaw mythology
Choctaw mythology refers to the traditional stories, beliefs, and cultural practices of the Choctaw Nation, a Native American tribe primarily located in the southeastern United States, particularly in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. Like many indigenous cultures, the Choctaw people have a rich tapestry of mythology that encompasses creation stories, deities, spirits, and moral teachings.
Creatio ex nihilo
"Creatio ex nihilo" is a Latin term that translates to "creation out of nothing." It is a philosophical and theological concept that refers to the belief that the universe and all that exists within it were created by a divine being from no pre-existing materials or chaos. This idea contrasts with other creation theories that suggest the universe was formed from pre-existing substances or that it evolved over time from some primordial state.
Creation of life from clay
The concept of the "Creation of life from clay" is often associated with various mythologies and religious texts, most notably in the Judeo-Christian tradition. In the Book of Genesis in the Bible, it is described that God created the first human, Adam, from the dust of the ground (often interpreted as clay) and breathed life into him, making him a living being. This act symbolizes the connection between humanity and the earth, suggesting themes of creation, life, and divine intervention.
Creationism
Creationism is a belief system that posits that the universe, life, and various species were created by a divine being or a supernatural force, rather than through natural processes like evolution. This perspective is often associated with a literal interpretation of religious texts, particularly the creation stories found in the Bible, such as the Book of Genesis in Christianity and Judaism.
Creator deity
A creator deity is a divine being attributed with the creation of the universe, Earth, and all living things. In many religious traditions, creator deities are often considered omnipotent and are responsible for the origin of existence itself. They may create the world out of chaos, through word or thought, or through a series of divine actions. Different cultures and religions have various creator deities, each with their own stories, attributes, and significance.
Creek mythology
Creek mythology refers to the traditional beliefs, stories, and spiritual practices of the Creek (Muscogee) people, a Native American tribe originally from the southeastern United States. The Creek Nation is composed of various tribes and clans, and their mythology is rich with diverse tales that explain natural phenomena, cultural practices, and the origins of the world and its inhabitants.
Diné Bahaneʼ
Diné Bahaneʼ, often translated as "The Navajo Creation Story," is the traditional narrative of the Diné people, commonly known as the Navajo Nation. This creation story is an essential aspect of Navajo culture and spirituality, detailing the origins of the world, the emergence of the Navajo people, and their relationships with the land, the universe, and each other.
Dohkwibuhch
Dohkwibuhch is a term from the Native American Seneca language. It translates to "the place where things are broken" and refers to the location of a historic Seneca village known for its significance in the culture and history of the Seneca people.
Dreaming, or "The Dreaming," is a fundamental concept in Australian Aboriginal culture that refers to the time of creation when ancestral beings formed the land, animals, and people. It encompasses the beliefs, rituals, stories, and art that connect Aboriginal people to their spiritual and cultural heritage. In the context of Aboriginal art, Dreaming is often expressed through various forms of visual representation, including painting, sculpture, and weaving.
Earth-maker myth
The Earth-maker myth is a creation story found in various Indigenous cultures, particularly among Native American tribes. These myths often explain the origins of the Earth, its features, and the life forms that inhabit it. In general, an Earth-maker or creator figure is responsible for shaping the world, often through a series of actions or interactions that involve other beings, elements, or natural forces. The specifics of Earth-maker myths can vary widely depending on cultural context.
Endowment (Mormonism)
In the context of Mormonism, "endowment" refers to a sacred ceremony performed in Latter-day Saint (LDS) temples. It is a significant rite that involves a series of religious rituals, teachings, and covenants. The endowment is considered a spiritual preparation for individuals as they seek greater knowledge, power, and understanding of God's plan. During the endowment ceremony, participants receive instruction about the creation of the world, the purpose of life, and the salvation of mankind.
Enlil and Ninlil
Enlil and Ninlil are deities from ancient Mesopotamian mythology, particularly significant in Sumerian religion. **Enlil**: He is one of the principal gods in the Sumerian pantheon and is often considered the god of air, wind, and storms. Enlil was also regarded as the chief deity who had authority over the other gods and was associated with governance, agriculture, and the command over the natural world.
Ennead
The term "Ennead" can refer to different concepts depending on the context: 1. **Philosophy and Religion**: In Neoplatonism, the Enneads are a collection of writings by the philosopher Plotinus, compiled and edited by his student Porphyry in the 3rd century CE. The writings are divided into six groups of nine treatises, hence the name "Ennead," which derives from the Greek word for "nine.
Enūma Eliš
Enūma Eliš is a Babylonian creation myth that is one of the key texts in the ancient Mesopotamian literature. It is written in Akkadian, a Semitic language, and the title translates to "When on High," which are the opening words of the poem. The text dates back to the 12th century BCE, although its origins likely go back even further.
Five Suns
The concept of the "Five Suns" originates from Aztec mythology and cosmology. It refers to the five different eras or "Suns" that the Aztecs believed the world has gone through, each one associated with a distinct creation and destruction cycle. According to Aztec beliefs: 1. **First Sun (Tezcatlipoca)**: This era was characterized by jaguars and was destroyed by jaguars that devoured the inhabitants.
Fon creation myth
The Fon creation myth, originating from the Fon people of Benin in West Africa, is rich in symbolism and encompasses various elements of spirituality and cosmology. According to the Fon belief system, the world was created by a supreme being known as Mawu (often referred to as Mawu-Lisa when considering the duality of Mawu, the female aspect, and Lisa, the male aspect). In the Fon creation narrative, Mawu, in her wisdom, created the earth and all living things.
Genesis creation narrative
The Genesis creation narrative refers to the account of the creation of the world and humanity as described in the Book of Genesis, which is the first book of the Bible. This narrative is primarily found in the first two chapters of Genesis and can be summarized as follows: 1. **Creation in Six Days (Genesis 1:1-31)**: - **Day 1**: God created light, separating it from darkness.