Supriya Ghosh (Editor)

Divine inspiration

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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.

Contents

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. The goddess Saraswati is also sometimes invoked for assistance with inspiration.
  • 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),

    • Counterexample

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

    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.

    References

    Divine inspiration Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA