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Theodore A. Hoppe
Montpelier, VT
United States

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What is the origin of the idea that a deity created the world?

Many attribute the creationist concept for the world's origin to the Jewish text scribed by Moses, The Book of Genesis, but what was Moses source for this story? Are there other stories about the beginning of the world that predate the Old Testament account? Please provide references and not just speculation.

Related Talks:

David Christian: The history of our world in 18 minutes

Topics: creationism evolution

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David Hamilton 50+
- +4
Nov 1 2012: I think Douglas Adams once said something akin to "Man created god, in his image... So that he could look upon all the wonders of creation and see... himself".
- Mitch SMith 50+
  - +2
  Nov 1 2012: Yes - he delivered a talk about 2 days before he died - it's here on TED somewhere.
  As I recall, he ascribed the god/creation thing to the toolmaking nature of humans.
  It's all conjecture, but I like his insight and style.
  I particularly enjoyed his alegory of teh puddle - admiring the perfection of the ground fitting it .. right up to the last drop evaporating.
  - Theodore A. Hoppe 200+
    
    0
    Nov 1 2012: Here it is, from the 2009 TED Global Conference:
    
    http://www.ted.com/talks/douglas_adams_parrots_the_universe_and_everything.html
    
    http://www.ted.com/speakers/douglas_adams.html
    - Lejan . 30+
      
      +2
      
      TED Translator
      
      Nov 2 2012: And this is even more 'on topic' of your question:
      
      The Origin of God - Douglas Adams
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kK1YgR7J0g
- Same AsIs
  - 0
  Nov 2 2012: I have always claimed that mankind has no comprehension of the impact vanity has on our social reasoning.

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