IndexCreation StoriesDivine HierarchyRitual SacrificeBeliefs in the AfterlifeAmong the numerous religions that have emerged throughout history, Christianity and Sumerian religion stand out as two ancient and influential belief systems. Although these two religions come from very different time periods and geographic locations, they share some striking similarities in their core beliefs, rituals, and concepts of the divine. This essay will explore the striking parallels between Christianity and Sumerian religion, shedding light on the commonalities that exist between these seemingly disparate faiths. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Creation Stories One of the most striking similarities between Christianity and the Sumerian religion lies in their respective creation stories. In the Book of Genesis, the first book of the Christian Bible, the creation story unfolds with God creating the heavens and earth in six days, culminating in the creation of humanity in God's image. Likewise, the creation myth Sumerian, as depicted in the poem "Enuma Elish", tells the story of how the god Marduk creates the world from the body of the slain goddess Tiamat, forming the earth and sky from her divided remains. Both stories feature a divine creator who brings the world to life through a series of deliberate and intentional acts, setting the stage for human experience. Divine Hierarchy Another fascinating parallel between Christianity and Sumerian religion is the concept of divine hierarchy. In Christianity, belief in the Holy Trinity – God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit – forms the basis of the Christian understanding of the divine. This triune nature of God represents a complex and multifaceted understanding of the divine, with each aspect playing a unique role in the salvation and guidance of humanity. Likewise, the Sumerian religion features a pantheon of gods and goddesses, each with their own distinct powers, responsibilities, and personalities. The Sumerian gods, such as Anu, Enlil, and Inanna, form a complex and interconnected divine hierarchy, with each deity exerting influence over various aspects of the natural and human worlds. This parallel in the divine hierarchy reflects a shared belief in the multiplicity and complexity of the divine, a concept that transcends cultural and historical boundaries. Ritual Sacrifice Ritual sacrifice is another area in which Christianity and Sumerian religion show striking similarities. In Christianity, the concept of atonement and redemption through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is at the center of Christian theology. The idea that Jesus, as the Son of God, sacrificed himself for the sins of humanity is a central tenet of the Christian faith, underscoring the transformative power of sacrifice in God's plan for salvation. Likewise, in Sumerian religion, the act of ritual sacrifice played a crucial role in religious ceremonies and offerings to the gods. Animals, and in some cases humans, were sacrificed as a means of appeasing the gods, seeking their favor, and ensuring the well-being of the community. This shared emphasis on the significance of sacrifice as a means of communicating with the divine and seeking divine favor highlights a fundamental similarity between the religious practices of Christianity and Sumerian religion. Beliefs in the Afterlife Finally, both Christianity and the Sumerian religion share common ground in their beliefs about the afterlife. In Christianity, the concept of heaven and hell as eternal destinations of the soul based on moral conduct is a fundamental aspect of Christian eschatology. The promise of salvation and the hope of eternal life in the presence of God.