Reflections on the Myth of God Speaking to Abraham
Many people consider verses in the Book of Genesis to be truthfully recorded accounts of God speaking to Abraham. However, when one delves into the historical and literary context, the reality becomes far more complex and less mystical.
Why God’s Voice Cannot Be Trusted
The claims of divine communication, as presented in the Book of Genesis, do not align with the current understanding of history and religion. The absence of a definitive deity who communicates with humans outside the imagination underscores the futility of searching for objective validation for these stories.
It is often forgotten that Abraham, the patriarch central to the Abrahamic religions, was a fictional character created by unknown authors. The genesis of these stories can be traced back to the 5th or 4th century BCE, which was a time of significant cultural and religious transformation.
A Fictional History for a People in Exile
The primary purpose of the Torah and the books of the Deuteronomistic History was to provide a fabricated history for the Judahites. The narrative aimed to give a sense of belonging and importance to a people who had lost their country and were living in exile in Babylon.
The concept of the 12 tribes of Israel, the exodus from Egypt, and the capture of Canaan were all fictional constructs. There is no historical evidence to support these events. The characters, apart from a few kings, military, and government officials, are entirely fictional.
The Emergence of Judaic Theism
Judaic theism reached its definitive form in 456 BCE in Jerusalem, under Jerusalem-born Judean descendant and Canaanite cleric Ezra. He retained the Canaanite god Yahweh (YHWH), who had been adopted from Canaanite mythology. This amalgamation of mythologies is evident in the diverse set of deities, including the 71 Canaanite gods adopted from the Sumerians by the Canaanites around 2315 BCE.
Abraham, as a symbol, was created in 1800 BCE as a fictional father to nomadic goat herders breaking away from Canaan and settling in Judea. The myths surrounding Abraham were woven into the fabric of Canaanite and Sumerian religions, creating a narrative that provided a sense of continuity and identity.
No Judaism before 456 BCE
The notion that a religion called Judaism existed from 3500 BCE onward is a mistaken belief. The term 'Israel' as a toponym did not exist until 1948, when the modern state of Israel was established. Additionally, the Hebrew language was not spoken in Palestine until 1945, centuries after it had died out in Europe. The people who would later be known as Jews were not even considered part of the Semitic group at the time.
The history and religious practices of the people who would later be known as Jews had their roots in the mythologies and practices of ancient empires, including Sumer, Akkad, Canaan, Egypt, and Greece. Their traditions and beliefs are a fusion of these diverse influences.
In conclusion, the stories surrounding Abraham and the divine communications attributed to him are better understood as literary fabrications rather than historical facts. These tales served a broader purpose, providing a sense of identity and continuity to a people in need of validation and hope in turbulent times.