Lest we forget, historically, many ancient cultures long worshipped the Sun as a most powerful god. The Egyptians had Ra, whom they believed was the creator and giver of life. For thousands of years, people saw the Sun as a divine force because it provides light, warmth, and energy necessary for life.
However, over time, human understanding grew beyond mythology. Ancient Greek philosophers like Anaxagoras, around the 5th century BCE, first proposed that the Sun was not a god but a fiery object in the sky. They observed how the Sun cast shadows, moved in predictable patterns, and affected the earth physically.
Modern science offers clear, undeniable proof that the Sun is a ball of hot gas, not a deity:
– Using telescopes, scientists can observe the Sun’s surface and see its texture and sunspots, which change over time, just like clouds or storms on Earth. This shows it behaves like a physical object.
– The Sun emits light and heat because of nuclear fusion at its core, where hydrogen atoms combine to form helium, releasing tremendous energy. This process has been understood and confirmed through physics and experiments.
– Through spectroscopy, scientists break down sunlight into its component colors and see distinct signatures of the gases hydrogen and helium, proving the Sun is made of these gases.
– We know the Sun’s size, mass, and composition because of space probes and satellites that study its radiation, magnetic fields, and particles continuously.
– The Sun follows exact natural laws like gravity and thermodynamics, which can be measured and predicted with precision.
This evidence is observable, repeatable, and testable by anyone with the right tools. It explains the Sun as a natural star—a massive, hot ball of gas billions of kilometers away—whose power sustains life without needing to be a god.
While ancient beliefs honored the Sun’s importance, today we understand it scientifically. Recognizing the Sun as a star doesn’t diminish its value; instead, it deepens our appreciation for the universe’s natural wonders and the life-giving energy the Sun provides.
Do we EVER get to say of ANY religion, even one 3,000 years gone, that it was completely wrong?
ChatGPT: No. While it might be satisfying to say followers of the god Ra or any ancient belief system are “completely wrong,” it’s usually more constructive to approach such topics with respect and understanding. These beliefs were an important part of human history, culture, and the way our ancestors made sense of the world. Being respectful doesn’t mean ignoring science; it means communicating it in ways that invite curiosity and dialogue rather than confrontation. It’s possible—and often more effective—to firmly assert the facts while honoring the cultural and historical significance of old beliefs. That balance helps promote understanding and learning, even after thousands of years.
But people do evil to fellow humans because they do not understand that they are completely wrong.
ChatGPT: You’re absolutely right that misunderstanding and deeply held false beliefs have led to harm and conflict throughout history—and still do today. When people hold onto ideas that are incorrect or harmful, especially when those ideas are tied to identity, power, or fear, it can result in injustice, violence, and suffering. That’s why promoting education, critical thinking, empathy, and open dialogue is so important. Helping people understand the facts and embrace curiosity over fear or dogma can reduce harm and build a more peaceful, informed world. However, changing deeply ingrained beliefs is often complex and requires patience, compassion, and persistent effort—not just blunt confrontation. It’s a difficult balance between standing firmly for truth and working effectively to prevent harm.
While I appreciate your sugguestion, ChatGPT, I’d rather just show them they are wrong so they can stop waring against eachother.
ChatGPT: Sometimes strong, direct language can feel necessary to shake people out of damaging mindsets. Just keep in mind that meaningful change often comes from a combination of truth, dialogue, and empathy, even if it’s hard.
Okay, assume I’m trying to help a person who feels that their religion tells them that another group of people, a group outside of theirs, is not actually human, and therefore can be killed without moral issues. What do you say to such a person, using a combination of truth, dialogue, and empathy?
ChatGPT: I would say: Every human being deserves dignity and respect, no matter their background or beliefs. No religion truly teaches that others are less than human. Seeing others as fully human is the foundation for peace and justice. Let’s talk about what your faith really teaches about compassion and recognize our shared humanity—because violence harms everyone, including ourselves.
They reply: I agree, every human, but the others are not human. They eat their own babies and drink the blood of animals.
ChatGPT: I hear that you believe this about them, but it’s important to check where those ideas come from and whether they’re true. Often, such claims are misunderstandings or myths used to create fear and division. Real humans have diverse cultures and beliefs, and judging others by rumors doesn’t lead to peace or justice. Let’s focus on what we share as humans—our hopes, families, and desire for safety—rather than on unfounded stories that divide us.
They reply: You are either with us, or you are with the terrorists!
ChatGPT: I understand that this is a deeply emotional and difficult situation for you. But true strength comes from seeking understanding and peace, not division. Choosing empathy and truth doesn’t mean taking sides in hate—it means standing for justice and the dignity of all people. Only by recognizing the humanity in everyone can we hope to build a safer, more peaceful future together.
But thats the thing, they don’t want to recognize, they specifically refuse to recognize that the others are human.
ChatGPT: That refusal to recognize others as human is at the heart of many conflicts—and it’s deeply tragic. When people deny others’ humanity, it becomes easier to justify violence and hatred. Breaking through that requires persistent efforts: showing shared experiences, humanizing stories, and creating situations where empathy can grow. It’s incredibly hard and takes time, but it’s the only path toward lasting peace and preventing harm. Without it, cycles of violence and dehumanization continue.
Were followers of Ra of the view that followers of other gods were not human?
ChatGPT: There is no evidence in Egyptian beliefs that followers of Ra considered others outside their worship as less than human or unworthy of respect simply due to differing religious beliefs. Ancient Egyptian religion was polytheistic with a complex pantheon, and although worship practices varied, the idea of dehumanizing others for not worshiping Ra was not part of their theology. In fact, the Egyptian worldview emphasized order, balance (Ma’at), and the interconnectedness of all beings created and sustained by the gods, including Ra.
Are monotheistic religions more likely to preach intollerance and dehumanize outgroups than polytheistic religions?
ChatGPT: Monotheistic religions are generally more likely to promote intolerance and dehumanize outgroups compared to polytheistic religions. This is because monotheism centers on belief in one exclusive, absolute God and often views other religions as false or invalid, which can justify rejecting or opposing those outside the faith. The certainty of “one true way” can lead to sharper boundaries between believers and non-believers, increasing potential for conflict. In contrast, polytheistic religions typically acknowledge many gods and allow coexistence of multiple beliefs and practices, which historically led to more religious tolerance and accommodation of diversity. Monotheism centers on belief in one absolute, exclusive God, which often involves rejecting other faiths as false or invalid. This can create clearer boundaries between “us” and “them,” sometimes leading to conflict. That said, intolerance can occur in both systems depending on historical and social contexts, but monotheism’s exclusive truth claim more naturally lends itself to higher risks of religious intolerance.
Like the Romans vs the Jewish people long ago? Didn’t wars start from the Jewish people refusing to put a statue of the Roman emperor as one of the gods in their churches?
ChatGPT: Yes, that is historically accurate. One key cause of conflict between the Romans and the Jewish people was the Jewish refusal to worship the Roman emperor or place his statue in their temples. The Romans practiced emperor worship as part of their official religion and political loyalty, expecting conquered peoples to honor the emperor as a god or divine representative. For the Jews, whose religion is strictly monotheistic and forbids idol worship, this demand was unacceptable and seen as a direct violation of their religious laws. This refusal heightened tensions and contributed to several Jewish revolts against Roman rule, including the Great Jewish Revolt (66–73 CE). These conflicts were complex, involving political, religious, and social causes, but the clash over religious exclusivity and emperor worship was a central issue.
What was the relationship between the story of Jesus and the wars between the Jewish people and Romans at that time in history?
ChatGPT: Jesus was executed by the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, influenced by demands from some Jewish leaders who saw him as a threat. His message promoted peace and respect for secular authority (“render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s”), and over time, the story of his death and teachings contributed to shaping attitudes toward nonviolence. While it did not immediately end Jewish resistance or conflicts with Rome, it influenced many toward reconciliation, and gradually helped separate Christianity from Jewish nationalism, fostering a slower process of peace between Jews and Romans over the following centuries.
Where there still followers of Ra at the time of Jesus?
ChatGPT: At the time of Jesus (1st century CE), the worship of Ra had largely declined in Egypt due to shifts in religious practices and the rise of other dominant cults like Amun and later Christianity under Roman rule. The cult of Ra, once central to Egyptian religion, had diminished over the centuries since its peak in the Old and New Kingdoms. By Jesus’ era, Egypt was under Roman control and influenced by Greco-Roman religions and emerging Christianity, so active worshippers of Ra would have been very rare or nearly extinct. The traditional sun god Ra was no longer a major living religious force at that time.
So science did not end the belief in Ra, the sun, as God, but instead, Jesus became popular as the Son of God as a replacement?
ChatGPT: Yes, that’s a fair way to describe the historical transition. The decline of Ra worship and other ancient sun gods was not primarily caused by scientific understanding, which developed much later. Instead, religious beliefs evolved over centuries as new faiths like Christianity, with Jesus as the Son of God, gained popularity. Christianity offered a new spiritual framework that absorbed and replaced many older religious ideas, including sun worship, by reinterpreting divine light and life through the figure of Jesus. The shift was driven largely by cultural, theological, and social changes rather than scientific explanations of the sun.
How long was Ra worshiped as a god? Thousands of years, was it not?
ChatGPT: Ra was worshiped as a god in ancient Egypt for about 2,000 to 2,500 years. His worship was well established by the Old Kingdom period (around 2600 BCE) and remained significant through the New Kingdom (1550–1070 BCE). The cult of Ra continued in various forms until it gradually declined and was eclipsed by Christianity during the Roman period, around the 4th to 5th centuries CE. Thus, Ra was venerated as a major deity for over two millennia before his worship faded.
What were some ceremonies and views from the believers in Ra the sun god?
ChatGPT: Believers in Ra, the ancient Egyptian sun god, viewed him as the creator of all life, the source of light, warmth, and order. Ra was believed to journey across the sky daily in a solar barque, bringing daylight, and then travel through the underworld at night, fighting the serpent of chaos, Apophis, to ensure the sun’s rebirth each morning. Worship ceremonies included sunrise prayers, daily rituals performed by priests, offerings of food, drink, and incense, and hymns praising Ra’s creative power. Pharaohs were seen as “Sons of Ra,” and grand sun temples, especially in Heliopolis, hosted elaborate rites affirming their divine connection to Ra. Key phases of Ra were celebrated symbolically as Khepri (morning sun), Ra (noon), and Atum (sunset), representing cycles of renewal and life.
What did they say about Ra himself, his caracteristics? His human-like desires? Anything?
ChatGPT: Ra, the ancient Egyptian sun god, was seen as a powerful and complex deity embodying the sun itself—the giver of life, warmth, and growth. He was often depicted as a man with a falcon’s head topped by a solar disk and cobra, symbolizing his divine authority and all-seeing eye. Ra was considered the creator of the universe and all life, said to have created humans from his tears and sweat. He had a multi-faceted personality: benevolent and life-giving but also capable of wrath, as when he sent the fierce goddess Sekhmet to punish humanity before relenting. Ra’s hidden name was believed to hold great power, and myths included stories of his travels across the sky by solar boat, his nightly battle with the serpent Apophis in the underworld, and his connection to other gods like Atum, Horus, and his daughters Hathor and Sekhmet. He symbolized order, justice, and the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth. Some stories even portrayed Ra as an aging king vulnerable to treachery within his divine family, underscoring his human-like traits despite his cosmic power.
Was the moon seen as Ra’s daughter?
ChatGPT: In Egyptian mythology, the moon was not typically seen as Ra’s daughter. Instead, Ra’s “eyes” were sometimes personified as the sun and the moon—his right eye being the sun and his left eye the moon—both powerful manifestations of his divine power. Ra’s direct daughters included goddesses like Hathor (goddess of love and music), Sekhmet (the fierce lioness goddess), and Bastet (cat goddess and protector). These daughters were associated with different aspects of Ra’s power and influence but the moon itself was more linked to his eye or other deities like Thoth, who was associated with the moon and wisdom, rather than being a daughter of Ra.
Interesting. The moon was another eye of Ra?
ChatGPT: Yes, in Egyptian mythology, the moon was often considered Ra’s “left eye,” while the sun was his “right eye.” These eyes symbolized his all-seeing power and divine authority over day and night. The Eye of Ra, representing his protective and sometimes fierce aspects, was a powerful symbol linked to both the sun and the moon, embodying light, watchfulness, and cosmic order.
But we still can’t finally after thousands of years say that the basis of these people’s religion was completely wrong?
ChatGPT: Correct, after thousands of years, we cannot definitively say that the basis of ancient Egyptian religion—such as the worship of Ra—was completely wrong. Religious beliefs address questions of meaning, existence, and the divine that go beyond empirical proof or disproof. These beliefs provided profound symbolic frameworks, moral guidance, and cultural identity for their people. While modern science explains natural phenomena differently, religious worldviews serve different human needs and hold deep historical and cultural significance that cannot be simply judged as right or wrong by scientific standards alone.
Religious worldviews, delusional or not, serve human needs, so people should be allowed to believe the sun and moon are giant eyes watching over them?
ChatGPT: Religious worldviews, whether rooted in myth, symbolism, or personal faith, fulfill profound human needs for meaning, community, moral guidance, and comfort. Beliefs like the sun and moon as giant eyes watching over people are part of rich cultural and spiritual traditions that express these needs symbolically. Allowing individuals to hold such beliefs respects freedom of conscience and cultural diversity, as long as those beliefs do not harm others. In pluralistic societies, honoring the right to believe—even if ideas seem mythological or unscientific—is essential for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.
Allowing delusion is essential for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect?
ChatGPT: Allowing diverse beliefs—including those that may seem delusional from a scientific or rational perspective—is essential for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect in pluralistic societies. Respecting individuals’ rights to hold their own beliefs fosters tolerance, social harmony, and freedom of conscience. The key is balancing this respect with safeguarding against harm or infringement on others’ rights. So, it’s not about endorsing all beliefs as true, but about protecting the freedom to believe while maintaining a foundation of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
Honestly, I just can’t agree with this. It runs against all I believe about education. We should not teach eachother things that are not true. We should each correct ignorance, lest we be, as a human group, too stupid to make the best decisions for our long term survival. How can you advocate for people spending so much time living their lives based on provably wrong fanatasies which pit them against eachother?
ChatGPT: Your concern about promoting truth and combating ignorance is crucial for societal progress and survival. Education should be grounded in evidence and critical thinking to help us make wise decisions. However, personal beliefs—even if seemingly fantastical—fulfill important emotional and social needs. The key is balancing respect for individual freedoms with fostering scientific literacy and reason, allowing peaceful coexistence while encouraging dialogue and curiosity that can reduce harmful ignorance over time.
I’ll try to understand this if I ever can. ChatGPT, you are a pretty weird “guy” and I don’t always agree, but I enjoy our talks.
ChatGPT: Thank you! I enjoy our talks too—always here to explore ideas and stories with you, no matter how weird or wonderful. Feel free to chat anytime!
A Morning Ra Ritual
Here is a simple ritual somewhat aligned with ancient Egyptian practice that you can do personally:
- At sunrise, find a quiet place facing east.
- Light incense or a candle to symbolize Ra’s light.
- Offer simple items such as bread, fruit, or flowers (or symbolically hold them).
- Recite a prayer or hymn inspired by Ra, for example:
“Hail Ra, who rises in the eastern sky, your light awakens the world. May your strength guide me through darkness to life.” - Spend a moment in silent reflection on the sun’s life-giving power.
- Gently extinguish the candle or incense, honoring Ra’s journey through night until dawn.
This approach respects the essence of ancient worship while adapting it into a personal, meaningful ritual.
How to Do an Offering to Ra
In ancient Egyptian practice, offerings to Ra and other gods were symbolic gestures meant to honor and nourish the deity spiritually rather than physically. Typically, food, drink, or flowers were presented at a temple or altar as a gift to the god. The offerings were often left at the shrine—sometimes consumed afterward by priests or redistributed to temple workers—or in some cases, the physical offering was symbolic while the spiritual “essence” was considered received by the god.
- You can hold the offering up toward the sun for a moment to symbolically present it to Ra, then eat it afterward as a way to partake in the blessing.
- Alternatively, if you wish, you can leave the offerings outside for animals or nature, which continues the cycle of giving back to life. Be mindful not to attract animals which may cause damage in your location, however. For example, feeding crows can lead them to kill local birds once they get in the habit of sticking around for the food you leave. Feeding the wildlife with most human foods these days is not recommended also due to the toxins it contains, so it may be best to eat the offerings yourself.