Abstract
This interactive workshop would explore a unique, interdisciplinary approach to a provocative question in comparative religion: Wasn’t the Earthly Jesus a Demi-God? We’ll dive into perspectives from religion, Greek mythology, and modern media to unpack this debate, drawing insights from ancient texts, myth theory, and mediatization theory. Participants will engage with contrasting viewpoints sourced from Greek mythological publications, biblical narratives, and popular screen interpretations, including Netflix’s The Legend of Hercules (2014). This session would use textual analysis and critical discourse techniques, focusing on the New Testament (King James Version) and key Greek myths. Participants will analyze how modern media shapes public perceptions of divinity and myth, comparing ancient portrayals of Greek demi-gods with New Testament depictions of Jesus (with references to Jesus’ images with Catholic-centric and Orthodox ideals). This session provides a hands-on exploration of how ancient and contemporary narratives influence each other, creating fresh insights into ongoing religious and cultural debates. Workshop Outcomes: 1. Gain Comparative Insights: Understand the contrasts and connections between Jesus’ divinity and Greek demi-god narratives. 2. Media Influence Analysis: Assess how platforms like Netflix mediate ancient myths for contemporary audiences. 3. Collaborative Discourse: Engage with peers in analyzing and debating these perspectives, fostering a critical approach to media and religion. The 15th International Conference on Religion and Spirituality in Society presents an ample opportunity to explore in-depth, this timely debate, where ancient history meets modern discourse to shed light on one of comparative religion’s most intriguing questions.
Presenters
Essien Oku EssienDoctoral Student, Communication, Culture and Media Studies, Drexel University, Pennsylvania, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
Religious Commonalities and Differences
KEYWORDS
Comparative Religion, Greek Mythology, Jesus Christ, Contradictions, Modern Media
