Religious language as non-cognitive and mythical Flashcards
Why are myths non-cognitive?
Because they do not convey facts about the empirical world, although they can be said to be a rich source of moral truth.
What mistakes do Logical Positivists make in their view of myths?
- over simplify myths
- interpret myths as claiming literal truths
How do many elements of religion depend upon myths?
Provide a way to express fundamental truths that cannot be expressed in any other form of language
What do many Christians believe about mythical stories such as the “4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse”?
They see them as vehicles of communicating complex religious matters that worldly language cannot directly convey.
What do myths speak about?
- what it means to be human in a confusing, dangerous or mysterious world
- convey human understanding of God’s nature
- speak to people about their destiny
What does the creation story in Genesis 1 reveal (considered a myth)?
Shows humanity’s relationship with God, showing him as all powerful and our creator.
What does German biblical scholar Hermann Gunkel suggest?
When looking at myths we must consider the writer’s ‘Sitz im Leben’ (situation in life).
What does knowing the ‘Sitz im Leben’ help us understand then?
The meaning behind the symbols and the imagery if we know more about the society in which the writer was living in. We need to know what their ‘object of ultimate concern’ was.
What does Gunkel warn against?
Applying our own ‘Sitz im Leben’ because contemporary society can add a false perspective on the story.
When are myths used?
Used when factual statements would be inappropriate or would fail to convey the full depth of meaning and significance.
What do creation myths speak of?
A primordial time that lacks historical records. They were never intended to be cognitive but are still considered meaningful.
How does Genesis 1 start?
There was nothing but a void full of primordial waters
Why does the writer use water?
Because it would have illustrated themes of emptiness and chaos
What does God then do with the waters in Genesis 1?
Calms them and divides them up into land and sky. Signifies God has the power to bring order to the universe.
Why would they view the waters with the theme of emptiness?
People in Ancient Israel couldn’t travel in vast oceans so it would just seem like a void of water.
Where is water included in the Egyptian creation myth?
The Morning Sun God, Khepri, lifts himself from the waves in order to bring about creation.
What does Phillip Freund find about myths?
There was a recurring theme of order being brought out of chaos by God.
What do heroic myths provide an insight into?
The daily struggle of human existence and provide inspiration that evil can be overcome.
What is the general pattern of heroic myths?
- one or a small number of individuals suffer adversity 2. they take a risk
- they triumph against the odds.
What did Ian Barbour observe about structure of heroic myths?
Come in 3 parts - ideal, problem and salvation
Ideal, problem and salvation in Christianity
Ideal - perfect relationship between humanity and God
Problem - Jesus is persecuted for his message
Salvation - Jesus suffers and dies for humanity’s sin and rises again
Ideal, problem and salvation in Buddhism
Ideal - freedom from suffering
Problem - Siddhartha is tempted by Mara to return to ignorance
Salvation - achieves enlightenment and 4 Noble Truths
How do heroic myths tend to relate to human experiences of the season?
A long dark winter with limited resources give ways to spring with the promise of food and light. Easter and Diwali reflect this.
What does Moojen Moman argue?
It is not a surprise that such repeated themes appear in holy writings.
What do myths represent?
The basic rhythms by which all human beings live.
What do myths explore?
myths explore deeper inner connections as well - like creation, temptation and death.
What does modern society still demonstrate the need fro?
Despite greater scientific knowledge, humanity still demonstrate a need for myths that speak to our fear of apocalyptic tragedy.
What does philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre propose?
That instead of analysing myths as true or false we should question whether they are living or dead.
