Since it is a fact that pre-Judeo-Christion cultures regarded the snake as a symbol of wisdom, is the legend of St. Patrick subversive? Did St. Patrick, by bringing Christianity to Ireland, in effect drive away wisdom?
2006-08-28 09:31:35 · 13 answers · asked by ZombieTrix 2012 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
You know, I never thought of it that way, but you have a point there. Of course, the snake is also seen as evil by the Juso-Christian cultures, so they probably see it as him driving away evil instead. Just another case of Pagan symbols being made to mean something else by the Christians, I guess.
2006-08-28 09:35:08 · answer #1 · answered by Girl Wonder 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
These are two totally unrelated concepts. I dont see any connection.
"pre-Judeo-Christion cultures" basically described the whole world before we had monotheism. Not everyone in the whole world back then believed "snake as a symbol of wisdom".
2006-08-28 09:38:24 · answer #2 · answered by Funchy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
St, Patrick is spoken of in Celtic colture also.
it was siad that he was traded (or possibly taken as a slave)
to (or by) a celtic tribe, he was said to be raised by them and
taught some of the druidic arts. but as soon as he was able he ran away.
(it is also said that he refeered to the Druids as SNAKES)
when he returned he led the christianization of Ireland,
his followers burnt sacred groves, built churches on top of sacred sites. blocked or dammed sacred rivers. all in an attempt to drive the SNAKES (druids) from the land.
i am sure that the Christians will flame me for this and a few celtic historians will say that i left out some details but this is the basics of the stories told about him in the celtic tradition
2006-08-28 09:47:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The snake was a symbol for the druids and he drove them out by any means necessary. Thus driving out the ancient wisdom, but there can be wisdom in Christianity.
2006-08-28 09:38:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Funny Im a Christian and Ive never been taught that snakes are evil. Spiders on the other hand *cringe*
Even in the Garden of Eden, the serpent wasn't a snake though it appears he was "turned into one" so to speak but Jesus casted demons into pigs and Christians dont consider pigs evil. So I think maybe you arent as educated in Christianity as you might think? Just guessing.
2006-08-28 09:38:59 · answer #5 · answered by impossble_dream 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my opinion christianity tends to drive away wisdom and the ability to think for ones self every where it goes so yes
2006-08-28 09:38:13 · answer #6 · answered by nichole 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When Jesus sent His disciples out, He told them to be "wise as serpents, and harmless as doves," Associatinng snakes with wisdom is not completely pre christian.
2006-08-28 09:38:21 · answer #7 · answered by oldguy63 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Certainly sounds like it. Is that not the reason that the Catholic fatith demonized snakes? So as to demonize intelligent, logical thought? Martin Luther said that Thought was the enemy of faith, and should be trampled under foot....
2006-08-28 09:34:58 · answer #8 · answered by YDoncha_Blowme 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar--Freud.
In this case, I think the snakes are just snakes, rather than symbols of anything else.
2006-08-28 09:35:24 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I trust you
i like that question, i'm gunna check you out
2006-08-28 09:36:21 · answer #10 · answered by Hymn 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋