Religious language as non-cognitive and mythical

Question 1

Why are myths non-cognitive?

Answer 1

Because they do not convey facts about the empirical world, although they can be said to be a rich source of moral truth.

Question 2

What mistakes do Logical Positivists make in their view of myths?

Answer 2

• over simplify myths

- interpret myths as claiming literal truths

Question 3

How do many elements of religion depend upon myths?

Answer 3

Provide a way to express fundamental truths that cannot be expressed in any other form of language

Question 4

What do many Christians believe about mythical stories such as the “4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse”?

Answer 4

They see them as vehicles of communicating complex religious matters that worldly language cannot directly convey.

Question 5

What do myths speak about?

Answer 5

• 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

Question 6

What does the creation story in Genesis 1 reveal (considered a myth)?

Answer 6

Shows humanity’s relationship with God, showing him as all powerful and our creator.

Question 7

What does German biblical scholar Hermann Gunkel suggest?

Answer 7

When looking at myths we must consider the writer’s ‘Sitz im Leben’ (situation in life).

Question 8

What does knowing the ‘Sitz im Leben’ help us understand then?

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

What does Gunkel warn against?

Answer 9

Applying our own ‘Sitz im Leben’ because contemporary society can add a false perspective on the story.

Question 10

When are myths used?

Answer 10

Used when factual statements would be inappropriate or would fail to convey the full depth of meaning and significance.

Question 11

What do creation myths speak of?

Answer 11

A primordial time that lacks historical records. They were never intended to be cognitive but are still considered meaningful.

Question 12

How does Genesis 1 start?

Answer 12

There was nothing but a void full of primordial waters

Question 13

Why does the writer use water?

Answer 13

Because it would have illustrated themes of emptiness and chaos

Question 14

What does God then do with the waters in Genesis 1?

Answer 14

Calms them and divides them up into land and sky. Signifies God has the power to bring order to the universe.

Question 15

Why would they view the waters with the theme of emptiness?

Answer 15

People in Ancient Israel couldn’t travel in vast oceans so it would just seem like a void of water.

Question 16

Where is water included in the Egyptian creation myth?

Answer 16

The Morning Sun God, Khepri, lifts himself from the waves in order to bring about creation.

Question 17

What does Phillip Freund find about myths?

Answer 17

There was a recurring theme of order being brought out of chaos by God.

Question 18

What do heroic myths provide an insight into?

Answer 18

The daily struggle of human existence and provide inspiration that evil can be overcome.

Question 19

What is the general pattern of heroic myths?

Answer 19

1. one or a small number of individuals suffer adversity 2. they take a risk
2. they triumph against the odds.

Question 20

What did Ian Barbour observe about structure of heroic myths?

Answer 20

Come in 3 parts - ideal, problem and salvation

Question 21

Ideal, problem and salvation in Christianity

Answer 21

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

Question 22

Ideal, problem and salvation in Buddhism

Answer 22

Ideal - freedom from suffering
Problem - Siddhartha is tempted by Mara to return to ignorance
Salvation - achieves enlightenment and 4 Noble Truths

Question 23

How do heroic myths tend to relate to human experiences of the season?

Answer 23

A long dark winter with limited resources give ways to spring with the promise of food and light. Easter and Diwali reflect this.

Question 24

What does Moojen Moman argue?

Answer 24

It is not a surprise that such repeated themes appear in holy writings.

Question 25

What do myths represent?

Answer 25

The basic rhythms by which all human beings live.

Question 26

What do myths explore?

Answer 26

myths explore deeper inner connections as well - like creation, temptation and death.

Question 27

What does modern society still demonstrate the need fro?

Answer 27

Despite greater scientific knowledge, humanity still demonstrate a need for myths that speak to our fear of apocalyptic tragedy.

Question 28

What does philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre propose?

Answer 28

That instead of analysing myths as true or false we should question whether they are living or dead.