Ancient Egyptian Influence on Modern Religion Essay

Egypt is considered the birthplace of many world religions. It contains some of the oldest religious artifacts, texts, and art that can be traced to modern religions. Signs of early Egyptian religion date back to the Predynastic period, beginning with evidence of polytheistic worship. Many scholars have researched the development of Ancient Egyptian religion over the centuries and have studied the direct correlation between it and the modern religions of Judaism and Christianity. Questions arise as to whe Judaism developed because of social and political conditions of Ancient Egypt or rather through conscious adaptation of Egyptian stories, values, and traditions. Was it through divine inspiration that the faiths formed, or was it simply†¦show more content†¦Ptah was also a creator god who built the boats that carried the souls of the dead into the Underworld. Osiris was the ruler of the Underworld and husband to Isis, the goddess of fertility and the ideal wife. Isis†™ song, Horus, was the god of the sky and depicted with a hawk-like head often portrayed with a double crown. These deities were worshipped daily by the Egyptians in temples built by the ruling pharaoh and his priests. The pharaoh was viewed as the intermediary between the deities and his people. Through his kingship and divine power, he was expected to maintain universal peace and order. Egyptians also underwent extensive and excessive processes to preserve their souls after death through tombs, mummification, and offerings to the gods for preservation of the deceased bodies (â€Å"Ancient Egyptian Religion†). The concept of life after death is rooted in ancient Egyptian religion where funerary processes and burial rituals were fundamental and crucial to an afterlife. Egypt was one of the first countries to convert to Christianity in 43 A.D. From the persecution of Christ by the Romans to the acceptance of Christianity as the imperial religion of the empire, Christia nity underwent significant changes in the first few centuries after Christ’s ascension. Many Egyptian pagan beliefs and deity legends were unconsciously transferred to infant Christian faith and reformed in stories of the new deity, Jesus. Several elementsShow MoreRelatedEgyptian Religion s Influence Over Christianity1588 Words   |  7 PagesEgyptian Religion’s Influence Over Christianity Religion is present in almost every single culture in the world and has been for several thousands of years. Egypt is one of the first known and recorded civilizations in the world and has been studied for as long as its artifacts have been founded. In the discoveries of these artifacts, historians have found religious-like stories with Gods and supernatural elements. This is one of the first ever recorded religions in the world and the religions thatRead MoreAncient Egypt and Mondern Society981 Words   |  4 Pageslasting mark on the world, especially not one so profound that influences the world as it exists today. One such civilization that has had a profound impact on daily modern lives was that of Ancient Egypt. Their systems of religion and technological innovation helped not only to leave a permanent impression on the world, but also served to mold both the civilizations that directly followed it as well as society today. The Ancient Egyptian civilization spanned several thousand years and is one of theRead MoreAncient Egypt : Unique And Defining Burial Practices1172 Words   |  5 PagesAncient Egypt is memorialized for its opulent history and culture along with the unique and defining burial practices. Ancient Egyptian religion was a very intricate yet complex way of belief. Egyptian religion was based on the worship and fellowship of many God’s who were believed to have a constant and ever being control of all earthly elements. The legends of these gods were to foretell and explain the influences of the forces they represented. The actual practice of Egyptian religion was anRead MoreAncient Egyptian Culture and Its Influence on Poetry Essay1012 Words   |  5 PagesCultured and socially structured, Ancient Egypt was a civilization highly advanced for its time. The Nile River provided the gift of fresh water allowing the surrounding land to be settled. Its yearly predictable flooding cr eated fertile soil for farming. This was the perfect environment in which Egyptian society would prosper. Egypt was equipped with all the amenities of a modern society including people who married, had children, practiced religion, and even had festivals with food, beer, musicRead MoreAccording to the modern researchers, the Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations likely seem very1200 Words   |  5 PagesAccording to the modern researchers, the Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations likely seem very similar. They had cities, a relatively high standard of living, music, arts , religion, writing, and literature.They both developed at the same time . However, they differed in important and some different ways, especially in terms of culture, politics, religion, art and architecture. Also, they have the geography which is their located differently. Egypt lies on the fertile Nile River valley ,Read MoreReligion, Culture And Politics Of Ancient Egypt Civilizations Essay879 Words   |  4 Pagesthe divergence of religion, culture and politics of ancient society. There were many great civilizations that sprang up and progressed through the ages. One of this civilization was the ancient Egyptian. The Egyptian civilizations settled on the bank of Nile river which influenced the settlers to advance in the social aspect of their lives. In ancient Egypt, ecology played in important role in the development of their religious beliefs, culture, and politics that still influence current societiesRead MoreHistorical Characteristics Of Ancient Egypt Essay1299 Words   |  6 PagesCivilizations since the beginning of recorded history, and even before, have developed their worldview and religion based on their location and geographical surroundings. These influences would be evident in some circumstances and in others might to be subtler. A prime example of a people group that was molded by the location of the civilization is Egypt. Egypt is located in Northern Africa and is surrounded by and impacted by the Sahara Desert, Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, and running throughRead MoreCivilization is Connected from the Mesopotamians to the Powerful Roman Empire836 Words   |  4 Pagesevents, people, and concepts that have left an enduring influence. Society has developed many components which became foundational to Western culture from the Mesopotamian civilizations to the emergence of the Romans. The contributions of a variety of cultures shaped the course of Western history. The Mesopotamians and Egyptians are among the first civilizations to make a valuable contribution to Western Civilization. Both Babylonians and Egyptians managed to produce written systems of communicatingRead MoreEssay about Comparing Ancient Egypt/America733 Words   |  3 Pagescomparing Ancient Egypt and modern day Americas, I found a few similarities and differences in their every day lifestyles. Things like religion, government, social class, writing, and their job specializations. It was surprising to me to find out that the ancient Egyptians way of leaving was somewhat like ours. Of course there are heavier differences, but still they were very modern for their times. Also I am in strong belief that we learned many things that are in our culture today from Ancient EgyptRead MoreEgypt And The Muslim Influence On Eating999 Words   |  4 Pages Egypt and the Muslim Influence on Eating Maquelin Santana Hudson County Community College  Abstract This paper explores the religion, history, and food culture of Egypt. It discusses the geographic setting and environment that affects the food availability and water supply for the Muslims. The distinct eating and dietary habits are explained and how they have evolved into modern society. Also, Egypt’s national food is listed along with the history behind it. Lastly, the paper explores