Exploring Holy Books: A Scientific Perspective

In summary, the conversation revolves around reading holy books for insight and entertainment. The participants have a variety of backgrounds and are exploring different religious texts, including the Bible, Qu'ran, and Upanishads. They discuss the relationship between these texts and the abrahamic religions, as well as the history and context behind certain practices and beliefs. There is also a mention of the importance of reading translations carefully, as cultural and societal norms may have changed since the original texts were written.
  • #106
That's great marcus and thanks to hamster for bringing it up.

A magic white squirrel, I want one.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #107
It may be of interest that according to the clues we have in both among the Finns and in Sumerian society the women brewed the beer. Clay tablet pictures show women brewing beer. Legal texts refer to beer shops owned and operated by women (rather than men).

For some reason the Sumerians liked to drink beer through reeds---like our soda straws.

The Sumerians had a special goddess for beer. Her name was Ninkasi, sometimes written Nin-kasi. There is a Hymn to Ninkasi. This is appropriate to quote because this thread is about enjoying holy texts.

Selected stazas from the 1800 BC Sumerian Hymn to Ninkasi, the Beer Goddess

...
...

You are the one who soaks the malt in a jar,
The waves rise, the waves fall.
Ninkasi, you are the one who soaks the malt in a jar,
The waves rise, the waves fall.


You are the one who spreads the cooked mash on large reed mats,
Coolness overcomes,
Ninkasi, you are the one who spreads the cooked mash on large reed mats,
Coolness overcomes,

You are the one who holds with both hands the great sweet wort,
Brewing [it] with honey [and] wine
(You the sweet wort to the vessel)
Ninkasi, (...)(You the sweet wort to the vessel)

The filtering vat, which makes a pleasant sound,
You place appropriately on a large collector vat.
Ninkasi, the filtering vat, which makes a pleasant sound,
You place appropriately on a large collector vat.

When you pour out the filtered beer of the collector vat,
It is [like] the onrush of Tigris and Euphrates.
Ninkasi, you are the one who pours out the filtered beer of the collector vat,
It is [like] the onrush of Tigris and Euphrates.
The whole hymn is given here:
http://beeradvocate.com/articles/304 [Broken]

I helped make some beer recently, being taught by the son of a friend (apparently in our society it's primarily men who make the beer). The cooked barley malt and hops liquid, before it ferments, is called the WORT, a nice word. When the wort begins to ferment, it churns with the action of the yeast. The jug of wort is alive with turbulence---it roils and bubbles. There is sound.

I think the Sumerian poet was very good to point out the sounds of beer making, and to compare with the rushing waters of the mighty Tigris and Euphrates.

There is a part of this or another hymn where another goddess, the sky goddess if I remember correctly, comes to visit Ninkasi, and they drink together.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #108
Today I watched a special on the history of beer, and in ancient cultures, women indeed brewed the beer. They mentioned that in many current tribal cultures women still do the brewing much as it was done thousands of years ago.

Nice find marcus.
 
  • #109
Many years ago, I read Genesis to get better at crossword puzzles.
 
  • #110
lisab said:
Many years ago, I read Genesis to get better at crossword puzzles.

I can only think of one instance in which that would be a useful: A five-letter word relating to procreation.
 
<h2>1. What is the purpose of exploring holy books from a scientific perspective?</h2><p>The purpose of exploring holy books from a scientific perspective is to gain a deeper understanding of the beliefs, teachings, and historical context of these sacred texts. By applying scientific methods and critical thinking, we can analyze the content and origins of these books and how they have shaped various cultures and societies.</p><h2>2. How does science play a role in the interpretation of holy books?</h2><p>Science can provide a framework for analyzing and interpreting the content of holy books. By using scientific methods such as textual analysis, historical research, and comparative studies, we can gain a more objective understanding of the meaning and significance of these texts.</p><h2>3. Can science and religion coexist when studying holy books?</h2><p>Yes, science and religion can coexist when studying holy books. While science may provide a different perspective on the origins and content of these texts, it does not necessarily contradict or invalidate the religious beliefs and interpretations of these books. Both can work together to provide a more comprehensive understanding.</p><h2>4. How does exploring holy books from a scientific perspective benefit society?</h2><p>Exploring holy books from a scientific perspective can benefit society by promoting critical thinking, cultural understanding, and tolerance. It can also provide a platform for open and respectful discussions about religious beliefs and practices, leading to greater acceptance and harmony among different communities.</p><h2>5. Are there any limitations to exploring holy books from a scientific perspective?</h2><p>Yes, there are limitations to exploring holy books from a scientific perspective. While science can provide valuable insights, it may not be able to fully capture the spiritual and metaphysical aspects of these texts. Additionally, some religious beliefs and practices may not be easily explained or understood through scientific methods.</p>

1. What is the purpose of exploring holy books from a scientific perspective?

The purpose of exploring holy books from a scientific perspective is to gain a deeper understanding of the beliefs, teachings, and historical context of these sacred texts. By applying scientific methods and critical thinking, we can analyze the content and origins of these books and how they have shaped various cultures and societies.

2. How does science play a role in the interpretation of holy books?

Science can provide a framework for analyzing and interpreting the content of holy books. By using scientific methods such as textual analysis, historical research, and comparative studies, we can gain a more objective understanding of the meaning and significance of these texts.

3. Can science and religion coexist when studying holy books?

Yes, science and religion can coexist when studying holy books. While science may provide a different perspective on the origins and content of these texts, it does not necessarily contradict or invalidate the religious beliefs and interpretations of these books. Both can work together to provide a more comprehensive understanding.

4. How does exploring holy books from a scientific perspective benefit society?

Exploring holy books from a scientific perspective can benefit society by promoting critical thinking, cultural understanding, and tolerance. It can also provide a platform for open and respectful discussions about religious beliefs and practices, leading to greater acceptance and harmony among different communities.

5. Are there any limitations to exploring holy books from a scientific perspective?

Yes, there are limitations to exploring holy books from a scientific perspective. While science can provide valuable insights, it may not be able to fully capture the spiritual and metaphysical aspects of these texts. Additionally, some religious beliefs and practices may not be easily explained or understood through scientific methods.

Similar threads

  • Art, Music, History, and Linguistics
Replies
16
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • General Discussion
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • General Discussion
Replies
2
Views
8K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
27
Views
2K
Replies
17
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
11
Views
11K
Replies
26
Views
17K
Back
Top