In the vast tapestry of human history, one thing remains constant: our yearning to understand the cosmos and our place within it. From ancient manuscripts like The Huarochirí Manuscript to significant texts such as the Book of Exodus, cosmology has profoundly influenced societies, cultures, and belief systems. This question touches on more than just intellectual curiosity; it delves into the heart of human identity and purpose.
As a devoted CBC listener, my radio has become a comforting companion, almost always tuned in, even through the quiet hours of the night. One morning, a program drew me in with its focus on The Huarochirí Manuscript. This ancient text, a rare glimpse into the Quechua tribe of the Andes, was compiled in the late 1500s by Francisco de Vila, a Catholic monk, to “eliminate idolatries” among the conquered South American peoples. Hidden in a Spanish monastery for years, it was only recently rediscovered. Scholars highlight its importance in reviving Andean metaphysics, offering a worldview distinct from ours. Intriguingly, one narrative in the manuscript places the past in front of us and the future behind us—an idea that might seem foreign to us today.
Reflecting on this, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to how our cosmologies shape our lives. The revelation of such a unique perspective was both illuminating and humbling. It reminded me how diverse and rich our human experience is and how cosmologies serve as a lens through which we view our world.
These ancient texts reveal that the people of 16th-century Peru or 1500 BC Egypt were not as distant from us as we might think. Each society had its own worldview, and language was crucial in expressing these perspectives. The Huarochirí Manuscript’s depiction of time and existence challenged my understanding of cosmology and offered a fresh perspective on how different cultures conceptualize their world.
The Book of Exodus, with its deep insights into the cosmology of the Jewish God and people, is another significant work. Pastor Chuck Swindoll’s reflections on this book add to our understanding of human experience across cultures and centuries. As he puts it:
The overall theme of Exodus is redemption—how God delivered the Israelites and made them His special people. After He rescued them from slavery, God provided the Law, which gave instructions on how the people could be consecrated or made holy. He established a system of sacrifice, which guided them in appropriate worship behavior. Just as significantly, God provided detailed directions on the building of His tabernacle, or tent. He intended to live among the Israelites and manifest His shekinah glory (Exodus 40:34–35)—another proof that they were indeed His people.
The Mosaic Covenant, unveiled initially through the Decalogue (Ten Commandments), provides the foundation for the beliefs and practices of Judaism, from common eating practices to complex worship regulations. Through the Law, God says that all of life relates to Him. Nothing is outside His jurisdiction.
The Book of Exodus’ essence lies in its portrayal of Jewish cosmology—how Jews view the world and understand God’s role in human affairs. This narrative deeply resonated with me, especially when God revealed Himself to Moses through the burning bush. The sense of divine assurance and the promise of presence emphasized the profound connection between God and the people.
“I, anochi, am the Lord your God, who liberated you from the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.” (Exodus 20:2)
Following this proclamation, the Decalogue is presented (Exodus 20:3-14), known in Hebrew as the “ten utterances” or “aseret hadibrot.” The scene is awe-inspiring—a trembling mountain enveloped in smoke and fire, with the sound of the shofar adding to the gravity of the moment. It struck me how this cosmological framework guided people and framed their understanding of justice and divine presence.
In contrast, the morning after delving into The Huarochirí Manuscript, another CBC Ideas program explored the world of pseudo-archaeology. This discussion uncovered how pseudo-archaeological narratives can be manipulated to serve political and cultural agendas, sometimes morphing into religious myths:
We learn that in the bookstores of the sixties—those of the flower children and those of the far right—both are populated by invented mythologies, filled with conspiracy theories about how the world was created, etc.
Invaders from Mars? Alligators? All of these elaborate ideologies are written down in books, and some have been seen in popular TV productions like The Twilight Zone. Both the alt-right and the far-left use these books to create their alternate visions of what’s wrong with the world and how to repair it.
Myths about Jews and blacks and the superior white race abound. A person who lived in this alternate reality has also created a podcast about his experience and bears powerful witness to the truth that, in the absence of a clear cosmology, people will create one to feel grounded and safe in the world.
This exploration of pseudo-archaeology highlights how cosmologies provide the foundation for political ideologies, influence conflicts, and serve as guiding principles that shape human history. It also made me reflect on the importance of understanding and critically examining our cosmological beliefs.
In the labyrinth of human experience, cosmology acts as a guiding beacon, illuminating our path and shaping our shared reality. From the sacred narratives of ancient civilizations to the myths of modernity, cosmologies weave a rich tapestry of beliefs, values, and ideologies. As we reflect on cosmology’s significance, let us appreciate its power to inspire, unite, and transform. For in our quest to understand the cosmos lies the essence of our humanity—a continuous journey of exploration, discovery, and wonder.
Footnotes
- CBC-Ideas. “The Huarochirí Manuscript.” Broadcasted 6 Feb. 2023.
- Swindoll, Chuck. God’s Masterwork. Insight.org.
- “On Earth as it is in Heaven.” The Lord’s Prayer, Matthew 6:10.
- CBC-Ideas. “Exploring the Intersection of Pseudo-Archaeology, Political Agendas, and Cultural Ideas.” Broadcasted 7 Feb. 2023.