Decipher Genesis Stories to Explore Similarities and Differences: A Cross-Cultural Comparative Study of Pangu and Genesis

Abstract

The objects of world view study include mythology, religion, art, literature and social life, etc., among which mythology and religion are of the greatest significance. As a perfect fusion of the two, Genesis stories are the first attempt primitive people made to explain the origins of the world and all creatures. Therefore, they are great canons of primitive world views. When we decipher genesis stories, we discover primitive world views. The discoveries can help us explain similarities and differences in people’s values and behaviors. In this paper, textual analysis is conducted to compare Pangu and Genesis, two representative genesis stories of China and the Western world. Research findings are: First, the two stories are quite similar in the depiction of the beginning, the order of creation and the image of the creator. Second, they present remarkably different world views, religious theories and supernatural powers. The differences found can be used to explore and explain differences between China and the Western world in thinking patterns, social values and behaviors. This comparative study of genesis stories will shed light on the similarities and differences between different cultures, help with the description, explanation and prediction of communicative behaviors, and promote cultural exchange.