Religion is mythology and folklore. Why is it it classified separately?
2006-09-09 11:57:06 · 26 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
That's a very good question. Religion is indeed nothing more than some stories made up a very long time ago, which some people decided must be the absolute truth, and then persecuted those who didn't believe the same, and forced their beliefs on as many people as possible. Unfortunately, when two of these groups of people collide, and disagree about how to go about believing the same thing, they end up killing each other. It's very sad, and it would be nice if all humans could just think rationally and realise that killing other humans because they don't believe or worship as you do is frankly ridiculous, and just agree to disagree. That is, of course, a hopeless fantasy, because by nature humans are simple and easily led, and prone to hate what is different.
2006-09-09 12:07:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
To begin with, I wouldn't classify religion AND spirituality together. Then, maybe I'd put religions with mythology, since mythology is the religion of the ancient peoples. But that's debatable. What I am sure is that putting religion and spirituality together sounds like they're the same, and that those of us who have no religion are not entitled to a spiritual life.
2006-09-09 12:25:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I asked this question a month ago, the answer is it would offend the believers if Yahoo were to categorize their cults as a mythology...
I think the politically correct way to ask the question is from the other side:
"Should Mythology and Folklore be put in the same category as religion and spirituality?" that would be more appropriate.
2006-09-09 11:59:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
It is classified under Society and Culture. To suggest it be put under mythology and folklore is a putdown to Christians and we do not appreciate it, just because you do not believe does not mean it isn't true, I might suggest you have respect for other people on this sight that have beliefs other than yours.
2006-09-09 12:03:01 · answer #4 · answered by creeklops 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because a lot of people consider their religion to be MORE than just folklore and/or mythology.
After all, if you believe in your religion, then you don't believe that's it's all a bunch of untrue stories.
Thus, it's classified that way so that all those religious people don't get offended and insulted. Which is good, in my opinion.
2006-09-09 12:02:10 · answer #5 · answered by Mark D 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Simple, religion is not mythology, and spirituality is not folklore -- but to a non - believer like yourself, it would be the same thing I suppose.
2006-09-09 12:05:00 · answer #6 · answered by marmat16az 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Religion is only considered to be mythology and folklore to those who don't believe. Many of us know the Lord is real. We have felt His presence.
2006-09-09 12:00:25 · answer #7 · answered by TJMiler 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think it's interesting that so many people who have responded think this question belittles *religion*, which is probably part of the answer to your question. But it is entirely possible that some thoughtful people recognize the allegory of myth, its application to actual phenomena of the psyche and life in general. When treated this way it can actually give one insight, just read Joseph Campbell. Most religion has devolved from this useful form of mythos (sometimes illustrated through historical examples) to semantic and/or dogmatic table pounding and thoughtless ritual. But I think yahoo probably just tried to avoid a potentially larger fight (with the "faithful") than your question presents.
2006-09-09 12:17:28 · answer #8 · answered by neil s 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I pity the fools who believes that Religion is mythology and folklore
2006-09-09 12:04:07 · answer #9 · answered by hesjim57 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
While some believe it to be myth others do not. To others it is something completely different. Each is welcome to their opinion on where it should be classified. However, libraries and educators do not classify it as myth or folklore so it is correct that it has it's own category.
2006-09-09 12:01:01 · answer #10 · answered by genaddt 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋