Fig.1: Diagram illustrating Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs from Wikipedia So it turns out that though cultures may tell a different version of creation- whether as a religion or a science or both- what is clear is that humans need a sense of belonging and purpose. We need to know where we came from. We need to feel like we have a place in the universe. After all, we still use isolation as a form of torture. The stories also pointed out that we are still concerned about the same issues: war, violence, relationship with the earth, relationships with each other, sacrifice, food, hope, good/evil, our purpose and the future. Abraham Maslow made an easy chart for the 5 basic things we need to be psychologically well. What is interesting is that our creation stories often answer all these questions for us.
Class time: finish presentations, discuss what you found interesting about the various ideas and write an introduction for a "Creation Story Paper." You won't write the whole thing- you did most of that already. ;) Finally, read/annotate Bullfinch's chapter on the 4 reasons we tell these stories and where they come from.
Homework: If it is soooo important to know your place in the world- you need to cherish your own individual stories. Interview a family member and capture a story important to you, your family, or friends. Due on turnitin.com on Thursday/Friday. No length. Just find your story. :)
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