Sir Karl Popper, the great philosopher, said, ?The real mystery in life is that the universe itself seems to be creative.' This book is an introduction to creativity with an essay on the connection between faith and fiction. It contains a few of the author's favorite ancient cultural myths, some folktales of recent times, and some original stories. These are ideal for reading to children. This book includes stories for families from our ancestors great and unknown; some are contemporary individualistic doodles in the sands of time that readers may simply enjoy. All of us should be telling the stories of our imaginations for the sake of our children and future generations, not only for their pleasure but wherein they might find a way forward through the mysteries and changes in life. The book has commentaries on the myths and finishes with an explanation of the purpose of myths that concludes with a challenge for modern myth making.

The most comprehensive resource available on creation myths from around the world—their narratives, themes, motifs, similarities, and differences—and what they reveal about their cultures of origin. ABC-CLIO's breakthrough reference work on creation beliefs from around the world returns in a richly updated and expanded new edition. From the Garden of Eden, to the female creators of Acoma Indians, to the rival creators of the Basonge tribe in the Congo, Creation Myths of the World: An Encyclopedia, Second Edition examines how different cultures explain the origins of their existence. Expanded into two volumes, the new edition of Creation Myths of the World begins with introductory essays on the five basic types of creation stories, analyzing their nature and significance. Following are over 200 creation myths, each introduced with a brief discussion of its culture of origin. At the core of the new edition is its enhanced focus on creation mythology as a global human phenomenon, with greatly expanded coverage of recurring motifs, comparative themes, the influence of geography, the social impact of myths, and more.

This trio of volumes contains essays that explore vital existential, moral, or metaphysical issues surrounding the relationship between the sciences and the world's religions. In Science and the World's Religions, experts with scientific and religious backgrounds explore vital existential or practical issues, drawing on whatever sciences are relevant and engaging at least two religious traditions. The multidisciplinary essays exhibit rigorous intellectual, scholarly thinking but are written to clearly communicate to educated adult lay readers. The first volume addresses questions about the origins and purpose of the cosmos and the human project. The second volume investigates the roles of religion and spirituality in human existence, considering issues ranging from the brain and religious experience to the human life cycle. The third volume tackles controversies in which both religion and science are stakeholders, showing how both can deepen understanding and enrich human experience. Together, these three books present readers with powerful tools that enable them to think through the challenge of integrating science with their religious beliefs and spiritual practices.

An accessible exploration of how diverse cultures have explained humanity’s origins through narratives about the natural environment Drawing from a vast array of creation myths—Babylonian, Greek, Aztec, Maya, Inca, Chinese, Hindu, Navajo, Polynesian, African, Norse, Inuit, and more—this short, illustrated book uncovers both the similarities and differences in our attempts to explain the universe. Anthony Aveni, an award-winning author and professor of astronomy and anthropology, examines the ways various cultures around the world have attempted to explain our origins, and what roles the natural environment plays in shaping these narratives. The book also celebrates the audacity of the human imagination. Whether the first humans emerged from a cave, as in the Inca myths, or from bamboo stems, as the Bantu people of Africa believed, or whether the universe is simply the result of Vishnu’s cyclical inhales and exhales, each of these fascinating stories reflects a deeper understanding of the culture it arose from as well as its place in the larger human narrative.

Explore the intriguing realm of European creation myths and delve deeper into the diverse traditions that explain the beginnings of our planet and humans. This comprehensive book takes you on an enlightening tour through European myths, vividly showing how people have explained and interpreted their existence throughout the ages. From the ancient gods of Greece to the Norse creation of the world, and from the magical dragon stories of Celtic culture to the rich tapestry of Slavic and Baltic mythologies, this journey uncovers the fascinating ways in which different cultures have understood the genesis of life and the universe.

This groundbreaking, first basic reference work on ancient religious beliefs collects and organizes available information on ten ancient cultures and traditions, including Greece, Rome, and Mesopotamia, and offers an expansive, comparative perspective on each one.

"In the beginning, God created the earth, and He looked upon it in His cosmic loneliness. And God said, "Let Us make living creatures out of mud, so the mud can see what We have done." And God created every living creature that now moveth, and one was man. Mud as man alone could speak. God leaned close to mud as man sat up, looked around, and spoke. Man blinked. "What is the purpose of all this?" he asked politely. "Everything must have a purpose?" asked God. "Certainly," said man. "Then I leave it to you to think of one for all this," said God. And He went away." -Kurt Vonnegut, Cat's Cradle Most people must have at one point or another asked themselves the question, why am I here? One thing is certain--we were not here from the beginning. Some have asked questions like "What is life all about?" Many others have wondered "What is the nature of life?" and "What is the nature of reality?". These questions can be a passing thought that launches into a full-on existential exploration. What are we anyway? We are born. We grow into adults and before you can bat an eyelid, you are in the old people's home waiting to die. How fulfilling is that? Do you now wonder why some people ask the question "What are we here for anyway?" Some great people have asked these questions. "What is my purpose?" It is a difficult and profound question, and a common conclusion is that we were created for God's glory. That may be a religious truth but is it logical? There must be a far more specific reason for our creation. In Sam Oputa's Why Was Man Created? he explores this question from many angles--spirituality, religion, psychology, philosophy, and other sciences--but mostly he draws from the Holy Books, which contain a wealth of scientific evidence. The result of years of research and soul-searching Why Was Man Created? is a fascinating and sometimes controversial study of the age-old question of creation and evolution. The answers to these questions are not easy to resolve but the answers are out there.

Reason, Faith, and Purpose: The Ultimate Gamble is a guide for believers and inquiring skeptics. This book summarizes the scientific view of the origins of the universe and life and analyzes the question of the existence of god from philosophical, religious, and scientific perspectives.The material is presented in two parts. Part I presents the secular, scientific view of the origin and evolution of the physical universe and life. Part II introduces other perspectives that are representative of ideas historically prevalent around the world. The material in Reason, Faith, and Purpose is designed to provide insight into the choice each of us must make in this life: the ultimate gamble.

Across Cultures/Across Borders is a collection of new critical essays, interviews, and other writings by twenty-five established and emerging Canadian Aboriginal and Native American scholars and creative writers across Turtle Island. Together, these original works illustrate diverse but interconnecting knowledges and offer powerfully relevant observations on Native literature and culture.