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Monday 13 May 2024

Son of God - in a historic perspective

 ‘In ancient Mesopotamian cultures like those reflected in Sumerian texts such as the Epic of Gilgamesh, the concept of humans being directly created by gods did exist. However, whether this implied a direct relationship of parentage, akin to being "sons of God," may vary based on scholarly interpretations of the texts and the religious beliefs of the time.’ (ChatGPT)


‘In some interpretations of religious texts, Adam is referred to as a "son of God." This designation often emphasizes his unique creation by God and his special relationship with the divine.’  (ChatGPT)


‘Enkidu, a character from the ancient Mesopotamian epic poem "Gilgamesh," is referred to as a creation of the gods, specifically Enki, in some interpretations. His name, Enkidu, can be translated to mean "son of Enki," highlighting his connection to the divine. This underscores the theme of divine creation and the complex relationship between gods and humans in Mesopotamian mythology.’ (ChatGPT)


‘In certain passages of the Bible, specifically in the Book of Job and Genesis, angels, including archangels, are referred to as "sons of God." This terminology underscores their divine nature and their status as beings in the service of God. The precise understanding of this designation may vary among different theological traditions.’ (ChatGPT)


‘The term "Anunnaki" appears in Mesopotamian mythology, particularly in Sumerian texts, where it refers to a group of deities. While the exact translation and interpretation can vary, some scholars have suggested that "Anunnaki" could be understood as "sons of An," with "An" being a Sumerian term for god or heaven. This connection highlights similarities between the divine beings described in different cultural and religious contexts.’ (ChatGPT)


‘… contemporary interpretations of ancient religious texts and mythologies often differ from earlier understandings. While these ancient narratives were once central to religious beliefs and practices, modern perspectives often approach them as cultural artifacts or symbolic stories rather than literal truths. This shift in understanding reflects changes in societal attitudes, advancements in scholarship, and evolving religious and philosophical perspectives.’ (ChatGPT)


‘Belief systems and interpretations of religious concepts can evolve over time. In ancient Greek culture, there was a rich mythology that included stories of gods, demigods, and divine beings. However, with the rise of philosophy and rational inquiry, some Greeks began to question and interpret these myths allegorically rather than as literal truths.

Similarly, within Rabbinical Judaism, particularly in the second century CE, there were debates and discussions about theological concepts and interpretations of scripture. Some scholars began to emphasize allegorical or symbolic readings of certain texts, while others adhered more closely to literal interpretations.

Augustine, a prominent Christian theologian of the fourth and fifth centuries, was influenced by the theological debates and philosophical currents of his time, which included considerations of how to interpret biblical texts in light of contemporary understanding.

Overall, the evolution of religious thought and interpretation is a complex process influenced by various factors such as cultural changes, philosophical developments, and theological debates.’ (ChatGPT) 


‘Augustine's theological influence did shape many subsequent interpretations within Christianity, including discussions about divine creation and the nature of beings formed by God. However, not all interpretations since Augustine have necessarily held that any being formed by God must be a divine being. The understanding of divine creation and the nature of beings formed by God has been subject to various interpretations and theological debates throughout history, reflecting diverse perspectives within Christianity and other religious traditions.’ (ChatGPT)


(The following is my belief, not from ChatGPT.)

What we need is to get back to the understanding of the time of first apostles so we can understand their faith and message. Apostles of the time of Christ understood that God could make His one Son a real normal human: Not God-human. Human. They seem to have believed that God has power to do it, and God did do it. They seem to have believed that there was nothing unhuman about Jesus.