Pick three stories from Central and South America. Compare and contrast the visions of human identity these stories present, and determine whether the similarities are strong enough so as to enable us to speak of a Central and South American view of human identity. If so, what is that vision? If not, what are the key elements that prevent such a vision, and what do the separate visions look like? Finally, compare the view/views from Central and South America with visions we have considered from two other areas of the world.

"Maya- Our Father God"

     I see this creation myth as a sad commentary on how Native Americans (that includes both continents) had their original visions tainted by European conquerors or missionaries. What results, in my opinion, is a jumbled mess of concessions and compromises that pale in comparison to the original stories of all concerned- Mayan, Christian, and Jewish.

     That said, these relatively modern Mayans were at least creative. They turned the Jews into "Ancient Men", and rather than crucifying the "father god" (Jesus), they beat him, worked him hard, and tried to burn him to death. The Virgin Mother became a much more forceful and vengeful character than the Christian version. But overall, it's a hodge-podge, and in my opinion lacks the integrity of the earlier "Popol Vuh".

"Quiche Maya- From the Popol Vuh"

     Here we have a much less watered-down creation myth from the Mayans, although Sproul points out in her introduction that this too suffers from inconsistencies. The very common theme of a void, with only sky and water, once again is present. There are two creators, Tepeu and Gucumatz, who command the earth to be formed, subsequently create the many animals, and finally men. Interesting that men were made so these gods would have entities that could speak, and give praise. Also of note is that they had to try three times before they were successful- reminiscent of the fallible creators we've encountered in the North American and African myths.

"Inca- Ordering the World"

     Strangely enough, the Incas seemed to have been closely aligned with an Egyptian type of hierarchy- a supreme creator that otherwise doesn't get much attention, followed by lesser deities that are worshiped instead (gods of the sun, thunder, etc., and even local deities such as Egypt had). The Incas (among others in South America) also built pyramids. There are theories that Egyptians may have traveled to the continent, by papyrus boats (Thor Heyerdahl in modern times did so successfully in his "Ra Expeditions"- on his second attempt).

     From all of these, I'm not seeing a strong consensus among the South Americans in their view of human identity. There was too much infiltration, either from Spanish invaders, missionaries, or (maybe- it's intriguing to think so) Egyptians.