1. Who Were the Israelites?
The Israelites were an ancient Semitic-speaking people who are traditionally considered the ancestors of the Jewish people. Their origins are traced to the Bronze and Iron Age Levant (modern-day Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and surrounding areas).
2. What Religion Did They Practice?
The religion practiced by the Israelites evolved over time:
Early Beliefs: Archaeological and textual evidence suggests early Israelites may have practiced a form of polytheism or henotheism (worship of one god without denying the existence of others).
Monotheism: Over time, the worship of Yahweh as the sole deity became central, leading to what is now known as Judaism, one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions.
3. Is Religion a Myth?
This depends on how you define “myth”:
In scholarly terms, “myth” doesn’t mean “false”; it refers to traditional stories that express cultural or religious truths and values.
From a religious believer’s perspective, these stories are sacred and divinely inspired.
From a secular or atheist viewpoint, religious stories may be seen as human-created myths to explain the unknown.
So when people say "the Israelites created the religion myth," it might mean:
That Judaism and related beliefs originated from cultural and historical developments by the Israelites.
Or, more critically, that religious narratives (e.g., in the Torah/Old Testament) are human inventions rather than divine revelations.
4. Influence on Other Religions
The religious traditions of the Israelites significantly influenced:
Christianity, which emerged from Judaism.
Islam, which shares many stories and figures (like Abraham, Moses) and considers them prophets.
Conclusion
It’s more accurate to say that the ancient Israelites developed a religious tradition (Judaism) that evolved over centuries and deeply influenced global religious thought. Whether those beliefs are considered “myth” or “truth” depends on one's worldview—historical, religious, or secular.
INDIAN CONTEXT
If you want to explore this from a historical, theological, or literary angle, I’d be happy to go deeper.
What Is Meant by “Myth” in This Context?
In academic terms, “myth” refers to sacred narratives that express cultural, philosophical, or spiritual truths — not necessarily lies or fabrications.
In every ancient religion, including Indian, Greek, Norse, and even Abrahamic traditions, myths are foundational. They convey meaning, values, cosmology, and human purpose.
In modern casual usage, “myth” can imply “fiction” — but this is not how scholars treat religious narratives.
Ancient Indian Religion (Vedic and Pre-Vedic)
India’s religious traditions are incredibly old and diverse:
Vedic religion (1500–500 BCE): Based on the Vedas, it included ritual sacrifices (yajnas), hymns to gods like Indra, Agni, and Varuna.
Upanishadic philosophy (later period): Focused more on meditation, inner self (ātman), and the nature of ultimate reality (Brahman).
Epics and Puranas: Stories of gods, heroes, and creation (e.g., Mahabharata, Ramayana, Bhagavata Purana) that convey dharma (righteousness), karma, and devotion (bhakti).
These stories are not “just myths” in a dismissive sense; they are part of a larger framework of spiritual, ethical, and philosophical systems.
Philosophical Depth
Indian religion is also highly intellectual:
Advaita Vedanta: Non-dualism — the idea that self and ultimate reality are one.
Samkhya: Dualist metaphysics.
Yoga: A practical system of spiritual discipline.
Buddhism & Jainism (6th century BCE): Offshoots with their own deep teachings on suffering, nonviolence, and liberation.
Comparative Insight
Every ancient culture — whether in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, or India — used myths and stories to express deep truths. But in India, these stories coexisted with rigorous philosophical systems, meditative practices, and ethical teachings that are still influential globally.
Conclusion
Ancient Indian religion includes myths and stories, but it is far from being only that. It also includes:
Deep metaphysical inquiry
Ethical and moral frameworks
Ritual practices
Devotional paths
Yoga and meditation systems
To call it “completely myths” is both inaccurate and dismissive of a tradition that has profoundly shaped human thought and spirituality.
Would you like to dive deeper into a particular tradition — like Hinduism, Buddhism, or Jainism — or explore comparisons with other ancient religions?
Pranbaul
Dhaka
Bangladesh
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