Divine inspiration

Divine inspiration is the concept of a supernatural force, typically a deity, causing a person or people to experience a creative desire. It has been a commonly reported aspect of many religions, for thousands of years. Divine inspiration is often closely tied to the concept of revelation, the belief in information being revealed or disclosed through communication with a deity or other supernatural entity or entities.

Examples

Besides ancient mythology, the religious texts of traditions including Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Mormonism, and the Bahá'í Faith are all claimed to be divinely inspired to some degree.

  • Ancient Mesopotamia: In the Mesopotamian epic Atra-Hasis, the writer describes his work as dictated by the Goddess in a dream-vision.
  • Ancient Greece: The ancient Greek muses were said to be supernatural forces that gave artists their skill, while the Ancient Greek oracles were said to be subject to supernatural forces.
  • Hinduism: Music has historically been considered a medium through which performers can become a vehicle for divine inspiration.[1] The goddess Saraswati is also sometimes invoked for assistance with inspiration.[2]
  • Judaism and Christianity: Both religions claim Biblical inspiration for the parts of the Bible to which they adhere.
  • Islam: Muslims believe the Quran was verbally revealed by God to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel (Jibril),[3][4]

Counterexample

The Jehovah's Witnesses have at times disclaimed divine inspiration with respect to their doctrine.[5] although at other times they propose that "divine guidance" is provided to individuals.[6]

Criticism

Divine inspiration was described by Socrates as a form of madness (although not necessarily a bad form), and was a recurrent theme in the writings of Plato.[7]

See also

  • Afflatus, Cicero's understanding of divine inspiration
  • Artistic inspiration, sudden creativity in artistic production
  • Biblical inspiration, the doctrine in Judeo-Christian theology concerned with the divine origin of the Bible
  • Muse, mythological source of artistic knowledge

References

  1. ↑ Bruce M. Sullivan, Historical Dictionary of Hinduism (1997). p. 143.
  2. ↑ Asiatic Researches at Google Books, - History and Antiquities, the Arts, Sciences and Literature of Asia, Volume 3, London, pages 272-273
  3. ↑ Lambert, Gray (2013). The Leaders Are Coming!. WestBow Press. p. 287. ISBN 9781449760137.
  4. ↑ Roy H. Williams; Michael R. Drew (2012). Pendulum: How Past Generations Shape Our Present and Predict Our Future. Vanguard Press. p. 143. ISBN 9781593157067.
  5. ↑ "Do We Need Help to Understand the Bible?". The Watchtower: 19. February 15, 1981. True, the brothers preparing these publications are not infallible. Their writings are not inspired as are those of Paul and the other Bible writers. (2 Tim. 3:16) And so, at times, it has been necessary, as understanding became clearer, to correct views. (Prov. 4:18)
  6. ↑ "Do You See the Evidence of God's Guidance?", The Watchtower, April 15, 2011, pages 3–5, "How, then, do we react when we receive divine direction? Do we try to apply it “right afterward”? Or do we continue doing things just as we have been accustomed to doing them? Are we familiar with up-to-date directions, such as those regarding conducting home Bible studies, preaching to foreign speaking people, regularly sharing in family worship, cooperating with Hospital Liaison Committees, and conducting ourselves properly at conventions? ... Do you clearly discern the evidence of divine guidance? Jehovah uses his organization to guide us, his people, through “the wilderness” during these last days of Satan’s wicked world."
  7. ↑ M. F. Burnyeat, Explorations in Ancient and Modern Philosophy, Vol 2 (2012), p. 240.
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