RELS 200 Lecture 1: Religion 200 Class Notes
Document Summary
Literary and artistic works created throughout the ages. Stories handed down as a part of religions. Myths as narratives (stories) to explain and define people. Stories that include a society"s values and perspectives. Many believe that myths are false stories used by primitive societies. Myths are handed down from generation to generation. Contain scientific details and are unchanged even with new scientific discoveries. Colloquial sense of the word myth = a false story that people told to explain certain occurrences. Mythological stories can contain literal falseness; however, this can be a reflection of importance. Any false or out-dated science is not central to the story"s main points and objectives. Myth is not a false story because it can also tell about a society"s values and perspectives and can still reveal true things about a culture. Urban legend about alligators living in the sewers of new york. Urban legends are not myths in a strict sense.