Myth

What is a Myth?How can we talk meaningfully about

God using Myth?

What is a Myth?• A myth is a story involving symbols, metaphors &

allegories that are usually capable of multiple meanings.

• They are used to convey meaning that goes beyond our everyday experiences

• A myth by definition is "true," in that it embodies beliefs, concepts, and ways of questioning and making sense of the world.

• It is not literally true – it expresses truths hidden behind the veil of symbolism within the story.

Biblical Myths?• In the same way, many of the stories found in

the Bible are considered to be sacred MYTHS• They did not literally take place• They express various different TRUTHS about

God, the relationship he has with human beings and his role in creation.

• It is up to us to interpret them.

In the story of the Hare & the Tortoise, there was never literally a race between 2 animals.

The race does not exist. It is not real.

The truth that “slow and steady wins the race” is real.

The truth is hidden behind the story – expressed in a way that children can comprehend.

Creation – Genesis ch1An Aetiological Myth?

Although some Evangelical Christians will believe this story is literally true (fact), most Christians regard the creation account in Genesis as a sacred myth. It is not a scientific explanation of the way the universe came into existence. However, this does not mean it has no truth at all. The truths of the creation story lie in the meaning behind the story. It is still valuable and important for Christians.

So, what “truths” are they?

• God created the universe carefully & purposefully.

• Humans are the pinnacle of God’s creation – superior above all other animals.

• Both of these truths can be learned from the story, yet they are compatible with the evidence from science which supports Big Bang Theory and Evolution.

Interpreting Myths

• In pairs, you have an example of what most Christians would agree can be regarded as a myth.

• Decide what “truths” we can learn from them, if they did not literally happen.

Written task - answer the following questions carefully in your notes

• What is the purpose of Myth in religious language?– To open up new levels of meaning behind the stories– To point towards the reality of God without specifying what God is thereby

preserving the mystery of God– To enable the reader to engage with the meaning in their own way by

tapping into human experience

• Why might using Myth to talk about God be better than using other forms of language we’ve considered?– The truths that are revealed have some content to them – we can engage

and understand something of God’s reality– Myths prevent the anthropomorphising of God– They do not limit God – the levels on which myths can be interpreted are

numerous.