"Egyptian Religion" by Siegfried Morenz
Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 1:30 am
Egyptian Religion by Siegfried Morenz (1973) describes how ancient Egyptians experienced "divine commandments" of the gods that bear a striking similarity to descriptions of the bicameral mind by Jaynes.
He writes, "...subject to such divine commands are the living...who are ordered by the earth-god Geb to provide food for the dead."
"...Even at the close of Egyptian history the idea is still alive that the deity disposes of beings who are in his service and act 'as he had commanded them to do.'" (p. 60)
"...This also throws light on the dual nature of the king: he is god, but simultaneously the obediant servant ('the son') of the national god, whose commands he carries out as his official duty."
"...In this way divine commandments regulate both secular and sacred matters, as the occasion demands." (p. 61)
"...As far as the heart is concerned, in which men's decisions are brought into maturity, [the gods] seem to offer guidance at moments either of complete confusion or of deepest insight." (p. 63) [note here 'the heart' not the mind]
He writes, "...subject to such divine commands are the living...who are ordered by the earth-god Geb to provide food for the dead."
"...Even at the close of Egyptian history the idea is still alive that the deity disposes of beings who are in his service and act 'as he had commanded them to do.'" (p. 60)
"...This also throws light on the dual nature of the king: he is god, but simultaneously the obediant servant ('the son') of the national god, whose commands he carries out as his official duty."
"...In this way divine commandments regulate both secular and sacred matters, as the occasion demands." (p. 61)
"...As far as the heart is concerned, in which men's decisions are brought into maturity, [the gods] seem to offer guidance at moments either of complete confusion or of deepest insight." (p. 63) [note here 'the heart' not the mind]