Religion and Origin Myths of Egypt

                                    Religion

Egyptian gods on Hieroglyphics [1]

       Religion formed the center of Ancient Egyptian society, and continues to encompass many aspects of Egyptian life today. Thousands of years ago, numerous Egyptians focused on a polytheistic form of religion that worshiped many gods at the same time. Examples of these are Re the sun-god, Seth the storm-god, Nut the sky-goddess, and Geb the earth-god[2]. Each of these gods had different powers within the Egyptian realm, controlling whatever area they represented. To worship each deity, people would sacrifice animals, pray, and make idols.

       However, some Egyptians during ancient times believed that Christ was savior of the world. This is seen specifically in the Bible’s New Testament, where it is clear that there was division amongst followers of God and followers of gods. Exodus 7:5 explains this stark difference in beliefs, saying that “The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch out My hand on Egypt and bring out the sons of Israel from their midst” (NASB). God was showing His almighty power over the Egyptians and their man made idols. This is polytheism versus monotheism at the very root, displaying the difference that God’s children have as compared to those who believe in many created gods.

St. Georges traditional Coptic Church [4]

Muslim Mosque in Alexandria  [3]

       Today religion within the nation of Egypt offers a bit more differentiation. Modern citizens are typically either Coptic Christians or Muslims depending on beliefs and familial heritage. Islam is the main religion of Egypt, having over 94% of its people professing the faith[5]. Because this is such a large faith in this region, Mosques cover the entire area, allowing Muslims to pray five times a day and visit a Mosque on the holy day of Friday. Another common ritual within Islam is the celebration of Ramadan. Observant Muslims will fast from sunrise to sunset for an entire month to remember the time when God revealed verses of the Qur'an to Muhammad[6]. Coptic Christianity makes up the majority of the other 6% of religion in Egypt [5]. This group of Christians display the traditional Orthodox Church within Egypt. Their beliefs follow those of Saint Mark, who brought the gospel to this nation. Members of the church proclaim that God is the almighty divine being, having one all-powerful nature[7].

       Even though both Coptic’s and Muslims have religious freedom under Egypt’s constitution, many rights are infringed upon by the government. Any religious practice that does not follow Islamic Law is prohibited and able to be prosecuted against[8]. There is little tolerance from both sides, creating a troubled relationship between the two religions. Muslims continue to demand complete enactment of Islamic Law by Coptic Christians, who see it as a threat to all of their political, physical, social, and economic well-being[9]. Such tension has led to various attacks, clashes, and violent battles.

                                      Origin Myths

Atum, god of Creation

[10]

       Throughout the years, many myths have been passed down on the origins of life and this world. One of the most popular Egyptian myths is the Heliopolitan creation story. This story begins with the authoritative god named Atum who created his son and daughter, Shu (air) and Tefnut (moisture).  They also then had children Geb and Nut, the god and goddess of earth and sky respectively. Each of these deities continued to have more children until a conflict arose, each sibling fighting with the others, creating struggles in the Egyptian region. Each of the characters within this myth represent a conflict within nature, including the Nile, fertile valley, storms, and desert[11].

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[1] Fusco, Hunter. Papyrus. February 2011. Hieroglyphics, Egypt.

[2] Angela P. Thomas, Egyptian Gods and Myths (Buckinghamshire: Shire Publications, 1986), 38-40.

[3] Seaman, Richard. Highlights of Egypt.

[4] PanRamio. St. George Coptic Church, Heliopolis. December 2013. Cairo.

[5] TechBooks, The Middle East (Washington DC: CQ Press, 2005), 222.

[6] Diane Watts, “Cairo: Religion and Faith in Modern Cairo”, UTexas. Accessed April 7, 2016, http://www.liberty.edu/academics/graduate/writing/?PID=11954.

[7]The Coptic Network, “The Christian Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt”, (Jan 2006), accessed April 7, 2016,http://www.coptic.net/EncyclopediaCoptica/.

[8] “Egypt- Religions”, Nations Encyclopedia, (2016), accessed April 7, 2016, http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Africa/Egypt-RELIGIONS.html.

[9] TechBooks, The Middle East (Washington DC: CQ Press, 2005), 235.

[10] Dhal, Jeff. Atum, an Ancient Egyptian god of Creation. December 2007.

[11] John Baines and Leonard H. Lesko and David P. Silverman, Religion in Ancient Egypt: Gods, Myths, and Personal Practice (Ithaca: Cornell University, 1991), 93.