"A creation myth or cosmogonic myth is a type of cosmogony, a symbolic narrative of how the world began and how people first came to inhabit it."
Explanations about how the world was created according to different spiritual and religious beliefs.
Creation myth: A story or narrative that explains the origin of the world, the universe, and human beings.
Worldview: A set of beliefs and assumptions about the physical, spiritual, and moral nature of the world.
Cosmology: The study of the origins, evolution, and structure of the universe.
Mythology: A collection of myths, legends, and stories that belong to a particular culture, religion, or tradition.
Origin stories: Stories or legends that describe the beginning of a people or a culture.
Gods and goddesses: Supernatural beings who are typically worshipped or believed to have power over the forces of nature, life, and death.
Symbols and imagery: Pictures, signs, and shapes that represent deeper meanings and ideas in religious and spiritual contexts.
Rituals and ceremonies: Formal actions or procedures that are performed for religious or cultural purposes.
Creationist views: Views that support a literal interpretation of the Bible's book of Genesis, which explains the creation of the world and humans by God.
Evolutionary theories: Scientific theories that describe the evolution of life on Earth and the mechanisms of natural selection and adaptation.
Cultural values and beliefs: The customs, morals, and principles that are central to a culture or society's way of life.
Environmentalism: The movement to protect the natural world and preserve its resources for future generations.
Anthropology: The study of human societies, cultures, and origins.
Ethics and morality: The principles and standards that govern human behavior and decision-making in personal and social contexts.
Spirituality and religion: The practices and beliefs that give meaning to people's lives, inspire them to lead better lives, and connect them to a higher power or divine energy.
Mythological Creation Stories: These stories are typically found in ancient myths and legends, and describe the origins of the world and humanity, often featuring gods or supernatural beings.
Monotheistic Creation Stories: Monotheistic religions such as Christianity, Judaism, and Islam have creation stories that typically involve a single god who creates the world and humanity.
Polytheistic Creation Stories: These creation stories come from religions that involve multiple gods and goddesses who played a role in the creation of the world and humanity. Hinduism is an example of a polytheistic religion with complex creation stories.
Scientific Creation Stories: These stories are based on scientific theories and the study of the universe and the origins of life, including the Big Bang theory and evolutionary theory.
Indigenous Creation Stories: Many indigenous cultures have their own creation stories that reflect their beliefs about the origins of the world and humanity.
Esoteric Creation Stories: These stories come from mystical or occult traditions, and often involve complex symbolism and metaphysical concepts.
Philosophical Creation Stories: These stories explore the concept of creation from a philosophical perspective, considering questions such as the nature of existence, reality, and consciousness.
Modern and Post-Modern Creation Stories: These stories often reflect the changing cultural and social attitudes of the modern and postmodern world, challenging traditional beliefs and exploring new possibilities for the origins of the world and humanity.
"While in popular usage the term myth often refers to false or fanciful stories, members of cultures often ascribe varying degrees of truth to their creation myths."
"In the society in which it is told, a creation myth is usually regarded as conveying profound truths – metaphorically, symbolically, historically, or literally."
"They are commonly, although not always, considered cosmogonical myths – that is, they describe the ordering of the cosmos from a state of chaos or amorphousness."
"Creation myths often share several features. They often are considered sacred accounts and can be found in nearly all known religious traditions."
"They are all stories with a plot and characters who are either deities, human-like figures, or animals, who often speak and transform easily."
"They are often set in a dim and nonspecific past that historian of religion Mircea Eliade termed in illo tempore ('at that time')."
"Creation myths address questions deeply meaningful to the society that shares them, revealing their central worldview and the framework for the self-identity of the culture and individual in a universal context."
"Creation myths develop in oral traditions and therefore typically have multiple versions."
"Found throughout human culture, they are the most common form of myth."
"Members of cultures often ascribe varying degrees of truth to their creation myths."
"A creation myth is usually regarded as conveying profound truths – metaphorically, symbolically, historically, or literally."
"Creation myths address questions deeply meaningful to the society that shares them, revealing their central worldview and the framework for the self-identity of the culture and individual in a universal context."
"They are all stories with a plot and characters who are either deities, human-like figures, or animals, who often speak and transform easily."
"They often are considered sacred accounts and can be found in nearly all known religious traditions."
"They are often set in a dim and nonspecific past that historian of religion Mircea Eliade termed in illo tempore ('at that time')."
"Creation myths develop in oral traditions and therefore typically have multiple versions."
"Creation myths address questions deeply meaningful to the society that shares them, revealing their central worldview and the framework for the self-identity of the culture and individual in a universal context."
"A creation myth is usually regarded as conveying profound truths – metaphorically, symbolically, historically, or literally."
"Found throughout human culture, they are the most common form of myth."