Thinking about “Intellectual Foundations”

This Fall I will be teaching in the Intellectual Foundations program at Carthage College. There are five texts in common in all sections of the course, grouped into three themes: (1) Gods and Myths, (2)Nature and Technology, and (3) Justice and Society. Additional readings are assigned by each instructor. I want to use this post today to draft out some thoughts on how each theme is connected and proceeds from the other. I will build on this post over the next few weeks, adding what I think should be required and recommended readings.

Gods & Myths, Nature & Technology, and Justice & Society:

1. Gods & Myths
Humanity’s relationship with the divine has undergone significant transformations from the earliest mythologies to the establishment of monotheism. Ancient Near Eastern mythology, Greek mythology, and the monotheistic traditions of Judaism and Christianity offer a rich tapestry of beliefs and narratives that reflect humanity’s quest to understand the cosmos and our place within it.

1.1 Ancient Near Eastern Mythology
In Ancient Near Eastern mythology, for instance, gods were often seen as powerful but capricious beings who controlled natural forces and human fate. The Sumerian god Enlil was the god of air and storms, while Enki was associated with water and wisdom. These deities were deeply intertwined with the natural world, representing its unpredictable and often threatening aspects. The Babylonian creation epic, Enuma Elish, narrates the story of Marduk, who defeats the chaos monster Tiamat and creates the world from her dismembered body. This myth reflects a worldview where the cosmos is born from conflict and divine intervention, emphasizing the gods’ control over nature and society.

1.2 Greek Mythology
Greek mythology continued this theme of divine interaction with the natural world but introduced more anthropomorphic gods with human-like emotions and flaws. Zeus, the king of the gods, wielded thunderbolts and maintained order among gods and humans. Myths such as the Iliad and the Odyssey depict gods intervening directly in human affairs, guiding, punishing, and sometimes deceiving mortals. Greek myths also explored the concept of fate, with deities like the Fates determining the destinies of gods and humans alike. The transition from the chaotic divine pantheon of the Near East to the more structured hierarchy of the Greek gods reflects a growing human desire to find order and meaning in the world.

1.3 Transition to Monotheism: The Genesis Narrative
The development of monotheism marked a significant shift in humanity’s understanding of the divine. The Genesis narrative presents a singular, omnipotent God who creates the world ex nihilo (out of nothing) and establishes order through divine will. Unlike the gods of earlier mythologies, the God of Genesis is not capricious but purposeful and moral. The creation story in Genesis 1 emphasizes the goodness of creation, with God declaring each part of the created order “good.” This monotheistic perspective offers a more unified and benevolent understanding of the divine, where God is both transcendent and immanent, intimately involved in the world but also beyond it.

2. Nature & Technology
The shift to monotheism profoundly influenced humanity’s relationship with nature. In ancient mythologies, nature was often seen as an extension of the gods’ power, something to be feared and appeased. However, in the monotheistic traditions of Judaism and Christianity, nature is viewed as a creation of a single, benevolent God.

2.1 Nature in Ancient Mythology vs. Judaism and Christianity
In ancient Near Eastern and Greek mythologies, nature was often depicted as chaotic and threatening, requiring divine intervention to maintain order. The natural world was a realm of unpredictability, where gods wielded their power to control and manipulate natural forces. This view is evident in myths like the Enuma Elish and the Greek tales of Zeus’s thunderbolts.

In contrast, the monotheistic view presented in Genesis portrays nature as inherently good and orderly. The creation narrative emphasizes God’s intentional and purposeful design, with humanity created in the image of God to steward and care for the earth. The command to “have dominion” over nature (Genesis 1:28) has often been misinterpreted as a license to exploit the natural world. However, traditional Christianity emphasizes stewardship and responsibility. The Hebrew word for “dominion” (radah) implies care and governance rather than exploitation. This understanding aligns with the broader biblical theme of humanity’s role as caretakers of God’s creation.

2.2 Nature and Technology: The Scientific Revolution
During the Scientific Revolution, thinkers like Francis Bacon and René Descartes interpreted the biblical mandate to “subdue” the earth as a justification for the systematic exploration and control of nature. Bacon’s Novum Organum and Descartes’ Meditations promoted a mechanistic view of the natural world, where nature was seen as a resource to be studied, manipulated, and utilized for human benefit. This perspective laid the groundwork for the technological advancements that would follow, but it also contributed to the exploitation of natural resources and environmental degradation.

However, this interpretation diverges from traditional Christian teachings. Theologians like Thomas Aquinas and later environmental ethicists argued that humanity’s dominion over nature should reflect God’s care and love for creation. The exploitation of nature for human gain is seen as a distortion of the biblical mandate, influenced more by secular and progressive ideologies than by genuine Christian principles.

3. Justice & Society
The understanding of justice and society in the context of monotheism, particularly within Christianity, is deeply rooted in the nature of God as just and loving. If God is good and just, then human society should reflect these divine attributes in its structures and interactions.

3.1 Justice in Philosophy: Plato
Philosophers like Plato have long explored the concept of justice. In his work “The Republic,” Plato defines justice as a harmonious order where each part of society fulfills its proper role. Justice, for Plato, is both an individual virtue and a social principle, ensuring that everyone receives what is due and that society functions smoothly. His ideal society is one where rulers, soldiers, and producers each contribute according to their abilities and receive according to their needs.

3.2 Justice in Christianity
Christianity builds on these philosophical foundations but introduces a distinctively theological dimension. Justice in Christian thought is rooted in the character of God and the teachings of Jesus. The biblical concept of justice (tsedakah in Hebrew) encompasses not only legal and distributive justice but also righteousness and mercy. Jesus’ teachings, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasize love, forgiveness, and caring for the marginalized as essential aspects of justice.

The Christian understanding of justice also extends to social structures. The early Christian community, as described in the Acts of the Apostles, practiced a form of communal living where resources were shared, and no one was in need. This model reflects the biblical call to love one’s neighbor and to act justly in all relationships. The idea of justice in Christianity is not limited to retributive justice but includes restorative justice, seeking to heal and reconcile broken relationships.

Conclusion
The exploration of gods and myths, nature and technology, and justice and society reveals a complex and evolving human understanding of the divine, the natural world, and our social responsibilities. From the chaotic and capricious gods of ancient mythologies to the purposeful and moral monotheism of Genesis, humanity’s quest for meaning and order has shaped our interactions with nature and each other. The transition from a mechanistic exploitation of nature to a more holistic and responsible stewardship reflects a deeper understanding of our role as caretakers of God’s creation. Similarly, the pursuit of justice, rooted in both philosophical and theological traditions, challenges us to create societies that reflect the divine attributes of love, mercy, and righteousness. In this interconnected exploration, we find a call to live in harmony with the divine, nature, and each other, striving for a just and flourishing world.