Assignment #3

1. Read the electronic handout, "A Midrashic Creation Myth."

2. With your study partner, discuss the following issues:

a) What might be the purpose of an additional creation myth?

b) Why would a religious community take this myth seriously? Why would they take the Genesis myth seriously?

c) What is the relationship between God and the Torah in this myth? To what Torah does it refer?

d) Does this myth fit the criteria established by Cunningham and/or Eliade? Why or why not?

Write a 1-2 page typed paper describing the result of your discussions.