THE DOCTRINE AND LEGEND OF CREATION: COMPARING RELIGIOUS NARRATIVES TO THE PALAU CREATION STORY

Abstract

Across the globe, there are unique histories, cultures, and beliefs that often will
exist harmoniously with religious beliefs. The influence of religion can be seen in
all aspects of life, whether in personal beliefs, morals, political status, and even
cultural stories. Understanding the impact of religious ideologies can help navigate
and identify connections among seemingly unrelated topics. Christianity is the
source of influence over Palau’s religious beliefs, and the Palauan culture blends
both cultural and religious beliefs together in daily activities. Christian scriptures
and religious texts are oftentimes the blueprint for the functionality of active
religious organizations or lifestyles. Muslims, Jews, and Christians are known
to share similar beliefs and scriptures. This paper examines the complementary
ideologies of the creation stories recorded in the Holy Qur’an, the Torah, the Old
Testament, and the legends of the Creation told in the Palauan culture.