RL As Non-cog And Mythical Flashcards
What does the term ‘myth’ refer to in religious studies?
Within religious studies, the term myth is a specialised term referring to accounts that contain truths which are communicated in the form of picture imagery or symbolic texts.
What is the challenge of deconstructing a myth?
Deconstructing a myth purely by empirically based methods misses the accuracy of its meaning.
How is mythical language described in relation to human experience?
Mythical language is ineffable, as the experience of the divine goes beyond human description.
What did St Teresa of Avila express about describing divine experiences?
Christians believe that God is incomprehensible: St Teresa of Avila states, “I wish I could give a description of at least the smallest part of what I have learned, but, when I try to discover a way of doing so, I find it impossible …”
What is a cautionary approach to interpreting myths?
To dismiss a myth as simplistic is factually incorrect: myths require interpretation and care. A cautionary approach to interpreting myths was proposed by German biblical scholars of the 20th century, who, when reviewing the New Testament, spoke of the need to understand the ‘Sitz im Leben’ (situation in life) to bring a more accurate understanding.
What recurring themes do myths express?
Myths exist within all human cultures and thus provide valuable insights into a range of elements for societies: for example, they express recurring themes such as creation of the universe and roles of God.
How do people interpret myths?
A myth is a powerful, complex form of literature and people interpret them in different ways: for example, ex nihilo creation myths begin with voids, water and even divine figures and the interpretation of these myths is deeply rooted in the culture from which they arise.
What is the nature of mythical language?
Mythical language is also complex, being a form of metaphorical, symbolic and analogical and having meanings hidden beyond the literal reading of the text.
What did Reinhold Niebuhr suggest about myths?
Theologian Reinhold Niebuhr suggested that myths should be taken “seriously but not literally.”
What truths do myths hold?
They discuss the natural world and its origin, essentially holding deep and lasting truths which are integral to the identity of cultures and societies. Expressing those fundamental religious truths can’t be expressed in any other form of language and the fundamentalists’ and literalists’ attempt to find literal meanings to myths inevitably leads to error.
What does Matt say about the role of myths?
Matt highlighted “A myth is a story, imagined or true, that helps us make sense of reality […] without a myth there is no meaning or purpose to life.”
What is the Judeo-Christian account of creation?
Creation myths, from etiology, have existed for as long as humans: the account of creation as described in the Judeo-Christian traditions proposes a creation which came ‘ex nihilo’, from nothing.
What do the waters of the oceans symbolize in myths?
The mythical language used is particularly notable. For example, the waters of the oceans presented a great mystery due to their uncontrollable and unpredictable nature. They were beyond the immediate control of the ancients and became a natural symbol for chaos. Under the control of a God-figure, the waters were calmed and divided to bring forth land: this signified the mythical theme of stability and order.
How does Genesis describe God’s creation of land?
Genesis states “And God called the dry land earth; and the gathering together of the waters the sea.”
What do light and darkness symbolize in myths?
Furthermore, this theme of order versus chaos is symbolised in light versus
darkness, with light universally symbolising God’s knowledge, understanding and righteous power. Akita said, “God is the light of the world.”
What creation myth is associated with ancient Egypt?
all begin with the chaotic waters of Nun. Atum, the first god or goddess, created himself from his thoughts and will. From the dark waters of Nun, emerged a hill for Atum to stand upon: this is where he made Shu, the god of air and Tefnut, the goddess of moisture. Shu and Tefnut created Geb, the earth, and Nut, the sky.
What role do humans play in creation myths?
Another key feature of most creation myths is the primacy shown, of humans within creation and their role, stewardship for the creator, preserving the world.
What did Tillich propose about symbols and myths?
Tillich proposed that “Nothing less than symbols and myths can express our ultimate concern”. Humans are the only species created ‘imago dei ‘ and according to Irenaeus, this myth allowed human beings the ability to transform and grow into God’s likeness: Genesis 1:26 states “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness.” The information derived from this mystical account may not be cognitive in nature but provides meaning in a deeper way possible than any other form of language.
What is a characteristic of heroic myths?
A further category of myths is described as ‘heroic’, recounting how the individual is able to conquer great adversity and be triumphant.
What did Adams and Momen say about myths and creeds?
Adams said “Myths and creeds are heroic struggles to comprehend the truth in the world.” Such myths provide an insight into the daily struggle of human existence and provide inspiration, Myths help to overcome fears of the unknown and are effective ways of transmitting religious, social and ethical values: As Momen said “Myths explore the deeper inner questions and problems that have troubled mankind”.
What is a prevalent form of the heroic myth?
the Solar Hero: worship of the sun. The sun is, in scientific terms, the source of life on earth: this importance enshrined in the myths of a myriad of cultures and religions.
Who is considered a solar hero?
in the field of science, Einstein is a solar hero; in music, Mozart; Gandhi and Nelson Mandela are solar heroes within Hinduism. In ancient Egypt, Horus was mythologically known as lord of the sky, whose right eye was the sun and left eye the moon. Mcabe wrote “Horus was, in a sense, the Savior of mankind. He was their avenger against the powers of darkness; he was the light of the world”.
What does the Ramayana tell us?
Additionally, the Ramayana in Hinduism tells us how Rama battles the forces of darkness, rescues his wife from the evil demon and is restored to his rightful throne.
What does the Bhagavad Gita state about mystics?
The Bhagavad Gita states “The mystics derive unlimited transcendental pleasures from the Absolute Truth…also known as Rama”.
What do heroic myths teach us?
teach not only the ability of the hero to overcome insurmountable odds, but also show how good will always triumph over evil, providing inspiration and motivation to human existence.
