What is a Myth A myth is a story involving symbols metaphors amp allegories that are usually capable of multiple meanings They are used to convey meaning that goes beyond our everyday experiences ID: 702607
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Slide1
Myth
What is a Myth?
How can we talk meaningfully about God using Myth?Slide2
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 experiencesA 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.Slide3
Biblical Myths?In the same way, many of the stories found in the Bible are considered to be sacred MYTHSThey 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.Slide4
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.Slide5
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.Slide6
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.Slide7
Interpreting MythsIn 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.Slide8
Written task - answer the following questions carefully in your notesWhat is the purpose of Myth in religious language?
To open up new levels of meaning behind the storiesTo point towards the reality of God without specifying what God is thereby preserving the mystery of GodTo 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.