Ancient works of fiction into religious dogma?

IP_SEC

Ancient Religious texts seem to be great works of fiction. Talking snakes, fish headed oannes coming up out of the sea to teach man. Ferocious battles fought, intrigue, love, hate, the whole 9 yards.

Is it possible that some religions could have developed out of what in ancients time were popular works of fiction? The fact that they were known fictitious occurrences lost on succeeding civilizations?

In the year 4044, archaeologist discover a singe book entitled: "The Exploits of God man" An obvious god who can lift a car over his head and fly. At the end he tells his friends he is going his way to krypton (hmm how would they translate that?? how about heaven) and would one day return when they need him most.

Whatdaya think?

GentlyFeral

fish headed oannes coming up out of the sea to teach man

Wikipedia explains it all for you

gently f eral

free2think

Good points IP

Is it possible that some religions could have developed out of what in ancients time were popular works of fiction?

I have often wondered this myself, it makes a lot of sense to me.

quietlyleaving

The thing that I'm learning about the ancient myths and stories that become part of religion is that many were valued for the lessons and values they conveyed. Stories engage our imagination and thinking power a whole lot better than words. They seem to have their own ability to communicate human fears and morals and enable people to work out difficult dilemmas. Their timelessness can be seen in that they can be reworked in lots of different ways revealing different layers of meaning.

But I guess that it's when they become dogma and also when they serve to enslave or deny different categories of people their voice that they become dangerous. And I guess that is true of modern fiction too.

ql of the not ready yet to chuck em class

(boy that shandy was strong)

jaguarbass

I know the church of Scientology developed out of a science fiction writters head.

Maybe he read some old ancient works before he decided to create the religion.