After reading the Mayan sacred text about the creation of the world and the origin and purpose of humanity, I'm struck by the parallels that I am able draw between their perspective, and the Christian beliefs in which I share: From the void, dark and formless matter which had gods hovering in or above the waters to the creation of men or man who was perfect in every sense-- An image of the gods themselves-- whom became reduced to imperfection by their god or gods in order to forestall any competition between creator and creation. Furthermore, the purpose of both humanity in the two accounts of creation is to give worship, and adoration to their gods and ask them for guidance and wisdom, and above all, remember them in whatever they do. The Mayans did this through prayer and sacrifice. They "were reverent, they were givers of praise, givers of respect, lifting faces to the sky" when they made requests. Almost, in the same fashion as a Christian, it is important for me to read the bible, meet up every Sunday at church and, with reverence, make supplications. Through these acts I pay homage to my god remembering him as the creator of all things.
A final point, when I think about these similarities it makes me wonder how both the Christian beliefs and the Mayans beliefs and some other ones are so much alike. Especially, with their overall guiding themes. My guess is that the human condition is the same everywhere and as a result human beings are rendered by their environment to think alike.
I think you make a good point about the human condition: even though we may be removed from the Mayans by time and space, we share an experience of the divine. I think there are many parallels like this that one can read about in the stories of many faiths.
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