spin

As this seems to be a perennial topic injected into our discussions, it would be good to know what people think the term "myth" means when used about a religion such as christianity. So, I've set before you a humble list of possibilities as to its meaning. Do choose one. The last is for those who don't like the choices, but asks for you to explain your position. Thanks.


spin

dizzy

None of the above and I will explain.

To me, a myth is a story that has been constructed to serve a cultural purpose. The most common kind of myth is the aetiological myth, which explains the origin of something. Romulus and Remus, for example. Or perhaps even better, the monarchic period of Rome, where a single king is invoked to explain the origin of religious institutions. It can also serve to bind people together. The story of Romulus and Remus was extended back to connect it to Aeneas and the Trojan war, which served to place the Romans under the same umbrella as the Greeks.

Then of course we have the modern tale of Santa, who may or may not be actually believed in by children, but who nevertheless participate in the myth for cultural reasons. Parents who tell the tale to their children do not see it as lying. The question of truth or fiction is hardly a point of question, as the story is part of the cultural fabric.

Of the options given, A narrative whose purpose is to portray religious ideas comes closest to what I've said, but I don't think a myth is necessarily religious in nature. It's a functional story, intended to explain, entertain and to join people together with common heritage. Says I.

spikepipsqueak

dizzy took the wind out of my sails, a little bit, but I would add that it often has a useful or even precautionary reason for being repeated and retained down the years.

This includes those myths which are associated with religion. Much of the wisdom handed down in religious texts has secular applications which are absolutely valid.

youngalexander

Yes, but in this forum it is invariably of a religious nature.

Clivedurdle

Not necessarily - we do look at history, which is about culture and society and politics.

And an issue might be dividing the world up into religious and non religious bits.

I also agree with dizzy.

Clivedurdle

On the term "functional", maybe myths are tools to enable the social construction of reality.

Christ is very powerful in these terms - saviour of the universe at the centre of the universe.

Flash Gordon and Dali's St John of the Cross do get to the mythological core of Christ.

Clivedurdle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNIVpMXHqlk

Queen soundtrack to Flash Gordon is approaching clip.

Compare and contrast

spin

Ummm, how can I make this clearer? This poll isn't about myth in general, but in the specific context of biblical literature (BC&H). We are forced in this forum to listen to incessant babblings about mythology when talking specifically about Jesus and christianity's beginning. Although christianity is a cultural phenomenon, its inception, which is our basic topic when talking about myth here, was a step away from the cultural paraphenalia of the time. The aim of this thread is to get a discussion of myth as related to our topic out in the arena so that we can see whether everyone is on the same page.

If you really believe that myth as a specifically cultural phenomenon needs to be included, then I should ask for a halt to voting so that t his poll can be removed and another can be put in its place with the extra voting option.

However, as yet I haven't seen any comment that makes the effort to deal with the ways the term is being used in this forum.


spin

dizzy

Yes you have.

If you cannot understand how a definition of myth in general relates to religious myth in particular, that is not anybody's fault but your own.

avi

I am sorry to disagree with you.

For me, Paul (aka Saul) and Paul Bunyan are both mythological. Babe the blue ox is another mythical character. All religions are mythical, but not all myths are religious.

avi