Cosmogonic Myths and Theoretical Science

Biblical References

Hellenistic Science and Cosmological Thought

Letter of Paul "To the Ephesians" ca. AD 180.

Ephe 1:10 "That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, but which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:"

Ephe 2:2 "Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:" (The 'air' is the atmosphere between the earth and the lowest of the celestial spheres that surround it).

Ephe 3:9 "And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:" (The Creative word).

Ephe 3:10 "To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God," (The heavenly spheres were the abode of the stars, subordinate gods and demons who operate in nature and influence the earth).

Ephe 3:18 "May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;" (The spherical cosmos extends from zenith to nadir and from horizon to horizon).

Ephe 4:14 "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;" (Remember Cronos (Saturn) devouring his children and how Zeus had to lie in wait ).

Ephe 4:17 "This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:"

Ephe 6:12 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world,...." (An explicit association of the cosmic powers with the devil). The City of Ephesus is an ancient city located in Ionia, Asia Minor. Most reknowned is the great temple of Artemis the chaste huntress, virgin goddess of the Moon and protector of women. Christian tradition tells us that Jesus' mother lived out the rest of her life at Ephesus.

The book of Acts tell us that Paul was harrassed while speaking at Ephesus, which is the confrontation between Christ (the word) and Artemis (the goddess):

Acts 19:23-28 "And about that time there was no little disturbance about the Way. For a certain silversmith named Demetrius was making silver shrines of Artemis, providing no little trade for the craftsmen. And assembling the workmen about such things, he said, Men, you understand that from this trade is our wealth. And you see and hear that not only Ephesus, but almost all of Asia this Paul persuading has perverted a huge crowd, saying that those being made by hands are not gods. And not only is this dangerous to us, lest our part come to be in contempt, but also the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be counted nothing, and her majesty is also about to be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worships. And hearing, and becoming full of anger, they cried out, saying, Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" (7) An interesting outcome follows.