Theological and Philosophical Themes in Different Texts

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June 28, 2021
Differences in Theological Philosophies             Understanding the relationship between the development in philosophical works and the recurring themes in history is essential for anyone. It allows him to appreciate better how these developments reflect the societal and cultural changes in the different eras of humankind. From the ancient writings of the Greeks to the latest theological interpretations these days, humans have always oriented themselves towards understanding and building a relationship with a higher being. Nonetheless, one of the patent and noticeable trends in this field is related to improvements and changes in our relationship with a higher being. Accordingly, this article would focus on some of these changes based on relevant themes from various philosophical works in history.   Thematic Differences in Writings Relationships with a Higher Power             One of the main themes recurring in various philosophical works is the 'man's relationship with a higher being.' This relationship is represented by how an individual perceives and orients himself relative to his creator or to other deities that (he believes) are influencing his affairs. On the one hand, one of the exemplifications of this is the relationship between God and his creations, Adam and Eve. In Genesis 1:26, God himself said that "Let us make humankind in our image, according to Our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth" (The Holy Bible - NRSV). This suggests how humans, particularly the believers of Christianity, were created as unique being patterned from God's exact image. In other words, this shows that humans are not only mere creations of God but a special being that is given both the power and the responsibility to take dominion over all living creatures by the creator himself.             Similarly, this thematic relationship is also emphasized in both Gilgamesh and Antigone. For example, Gilgamesh himself, a part god, said to Utnapishtim the Faraway, that "I look at you now, Utnapishtim, and your appearance is no different from mine; there is nothing strange in your features" (Sîn-lēqi-unninni). Similarly, Antigone's conversations with the gods also show that gods are believed to have a constant and meaningful relationship with humans rather than a creator-offspring relationship. One that is so meaningful that man's action could even affect the will and emotions of the gods. This could be exemplified in Antigone's words, which states, "I will bury him myself. And even if I die in the act, that death will be a glory. I will lie with the one I love and loved by him—an outrage sacred to the gods" (Sophocles). Again, these show the belief that the relationship between man and his God is familiar and unique compared to other creatures in the world.   Death             Aside from humankind's relationship with God, another theme that is recurring in these works is death. By looking at the variations and trends on how death is viewed in the history of humankind, it could be seen that man has always pondered on its realities. On the one hand, Dante's Inferno was one of the early texts that believed that death is not the absolute end of one's existence but rather a continuation of one's life based on how an individual has lived his life. For example, Dante said that "Love, which absolves no one beloved from loving, seized me so strongly with his charm that, as you see, it has not left me yet. Love brought us to one death." In fact, Dante's journey would show that love can be so strong as to defile death (Dante).             On the other hand, even the Gospels would show that death is not permanent but merely a temporary state of being until the second coming of Christ. The Gospels, in Psalm 23:4 also states that one should not fear death, as evidence from the verse saying; "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,...