Judeo Christian Art Essay

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Being fascinated as a child about the ancient world, it is no wonder that as an adult, the comparing and contrasting of world religions is very fascinating to me. The origins of such legends and stories, passed down from generation to generation, morphing over time and spreading it 's narrative through the context of it 's message. Religious art was the basis for the majority of subject matter up until modern times, only as recently as the 19th century did artistic themes begin to completely exclude creation myths, and the legends of, or faith in Gods, Goddesses, or divine beings. In the evolution of both substance and the motives for the production of artwork, Religious viewpoints in both the Renaissance and Romantic artistic periods allowed …show more content…

A great example of this is, of course, the Bible. Judeo Christian texts, often include several versions, edited and translated over and over again; due to language, denomination, and in the case of the Apocrypha, writing and passages edited out (Council of Nicea) and deemed questionable, heretical, and "secondary" material for the use of proselytizing, worship, and religious teachings. With already all these differences; Islamic, Orthodox, Egyptian, Gnostic, Zoroastrian, and Indian Brahmanism also share religious ties and ideals with the broadly covered Judeo Christian writings. Heading back even further to the dawn of literature, the first story ever told, The Epic of Gilgamesh, also shares several similarities with the Old Testament, or Hebrew Torah, the first five books of the Christian …show more content…

Found within the Tomb of Ani, near Thebes, Egypt, It is the best surviving example of an Egyptian Book of the Dead. In comparing the basis for the doors, the Bible, with the collection of scrolls that make up the Book of the Dead (Papyrus of Ani being just one), we are already faced with the parallel between them. Just like there are several translations of scripture, Books of the Dead were traditionally made as personal objects, so several variations of them also exist. Books of the Dead contain spells and chants to help guide the deceased through the tests of the afterlife. Placed into the tomb after mummification, it 's presence would secure a safe journey to immortality. Christianity takes a similar approach with the Bible, believing that the Word of God is what frees and saves you.

"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
Hebrews 4:12 | NIV

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