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Definition:
The epic of Gligamesh is the principle religious work of the ancient Assyrian and
Babylonian cultures (that has survived, at least). It describes the heroic exploits
of Gilgamesh, who may have been an actual, historical ruler of the city of Uruk at
one time. Regardless, he became a mythical figure and principle figure in many stories,
alongside his chief companion Enkidu, who was half-man and half-bull.
His epics also contain the story of the Babylonian Flood, as told to Gilgamesh by his ancestor Utnapishtum when Gilgamesh sought the secret of immorality from him. This story is a likely precursor to the later Jewish story of a world-wide flood.
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What is the Philosophy of Religion?
Sometimes confused with theology, the Philosophy of Religion is the philosophical study of religious beliefs, religious doctrines, religious arguments and religious history. The line between theology and the philosophy of religion isn't always sharp, but the primary difference is that theology tends to be apologetical in nature, committed to the defense of particular religious positions, whereas Philosophy of Religion is committed to the investigation of religion itself, rather than the truth of any particular religion.
