MYTH (mith), n.

What are the primary definitions of the word "Myth?"

Here's what an unabridged dictionary has to say...

1.   The English word myth comes from the Greek muthos ("utterance" or "speech") and is a narrative and expression of the sacred. Traditionally, myths function as a model for human activity, society, wisdom, and knowledge.

2.   A traditional  story or legend,  usually concerning some superhuman being or some alleged person or event, with or without a determinable basis of fact or a natural explanation, especially those concerned with deities or demigods and the creation of the world and its in habitants.

3.   It is believed that myths possess an element of historical truth and that mythical characters are often kings and other heroes who have been given the honor of deification, that is to say, to be worshiped as a god. Myths are also tied to practices and institutions associated with religious rites and beliefs.

Yet, the average person is convinced myth only means falsehood or fairytale. Notice that the actual definitions of myth are accurate, appropriate, are not derogatory and certainly apply to the stories of the Bible, the Torah, the Koran and any other religious texts.

This means the problem does not lie with the word myth, but the uneducated who no longer recognize this sacredness of language . . . the language of myths.

Additionally, it is interesting how the word myth can also mean the same thing as "gospel ". As you probably know, gospel refers to the stories of Christ's life. What you may not know is that the New Testament, as well as the Old, Buddhist, Muslim, and Hindu stories are considered "mythology" by religious scholars.

The stories of Jesus are considered Christian mythology and it's only western culture that has focused on the least important definition of myth as being a "colossal lie" or "fairy tale". Unfortunately, most people who talk about these subjects know very little about the archaeology, iconography and origins of Jesus Christ.

If religious leaders really want  to create Christ's vision of peace and love for all humanity they will have to work to unite their followers through faith as well as science. They need to preach the education of world religions and their celestial origins. Only then will we be able to look up, and see the light!

In 1990, a master of mythology, Joseph Campbell said on the PBS series "The Power of Myth"  . . .

"The only myth worth thinking about in the immediate future is the one talking about the planet. Not this city, not these people, but the planet and everyone on it. That’s what the future myth will be. It will follow the traditional mythological process as it relates to our society and then how the society relates to nature and the cosmos. The society the myth will talk about is the society of the planet, and until we have that...we have nothing."

Remarkably, the following prophetic statement was made one year before the terrorist attacks on America. Little did the world know how relevant this statement would become . . .

"The idea that a country or a people could somehow be ordained by heaven to commit unspeakable acts in God's name is insane. Unfortunately, history is full of inhuman acts by religious leaders in the name of their dogma or holy war. Only when the world accepts there are no chosen people and no chosen religions will we earn the right to call ourselves human beings."

Zain Winter - December 2000 author of "Jesus is a Myth"