Do You Believe The Bible is a book of Myths?

Question

First and foremost, calling the Bible a book of myths is NOT an insult. A myth is not a misconception or a falsity. A myth is a story, not a fib. Adam and Eve? Noah? Those are most definately myths. Why? They aren't even original. You would be very close-minded to think that Adam and Eve is the only creationism story that is true and every other one isn't. It wasn't even the first! Don't forget that the Bible was also written and compiled by Man, and man is fallable. There is also no scientific evidence to support the stories. The great flood of Noah? Never happened. The Biblical flood myth was derived from The Epic of Gilgamesh, an ancient Babylonian myth. In fact the very name Noah is derived from the name of a Babylonian rain goddess.

So I'm christian and I'm not calling the Bible untrue, just that I look at it as a piece of literature, not what makes me believe in my faith. The Bible itself is cruel, unrelenting and misogynistic. Is that the way God wants the world to be? Stories.

Answer 1

I think it's a little bit of mythology, and a little bit of history. Really, it depends on which of the stories you're talking about. Much of it is figurative, but some is literal.

Yeah, I have to believe that the Adam & Eve story is mythology. I also believe that God didn't actually make the world in 7 days...In fact, I was taught in my Catholic education classes that most of the terms used to describe time frames in the Bible aren't exactly how they sound.

There is also no question that early church leaders modified what we read in the Bible, and how we celebrate our faith. Not only did they leave out a bunch of the available writings (ie., the Gnostic Gospels), but they adopted Pagan celebrations and incorporated them into the teachings. Christmas and Easter are both good examples of this (really, there's not a lot to do in the middle of winter, but have a party!).

On the other hand, quite a few of the stories in the Bible have been studied by archaeologists and historians, and much of it appears to be historically accurate. Most of what's written about the politicians & such seems to be true - these were essentially the newspapers of the time, and we have republished them for the last 2000 years!

Regardless, I unquestionably think it's a book we can learn from. We just need to be cautious about what we take literally.

Answer 2

Both the story of creation and the flood as told in the Bible, are also told in other Mesopotamian cultures. I've studied the Babylonian Adam and the Gilgamesh Noah. They are very similar to the Biblical accounts. This doesn't mean the events aren't real. To the contrary, it means that the events were known and recorded by different cultures at different times.

Answer 3

It's okay, you and I and the rest have our right what to believe :o) As for me, I personally believe that it's a combination of both actually. Much of it makes sense and I find some truths in there. However there's quite a bit that is myth-like in my opinion. I'm leaning more towards "yes" as for Noah (as for the "exact" details,no...however believe that there was a great phenomenal flood that took place,ect.)
I do NOT believe in the "Adam & Eve" story whatsoever. Every culture most likely has their own interpretation on the 1st man and woman, as different interpretations for many things, spiritually/history,ect.
There probably were REAL truths in ancient history, however a lot was either destroyed, heavily misinterpreted, or records yet to be discovered. Nothing is perfect, not even history.

Answer 4

I also believe it is a book of myths to not just control people, but to give them joy and a sense or purpose of direction in life.

As for the flood thing, many cultures have one story or another telling about a great flood that covers the earth. I don't think Noah was in the others though...

Answer 5

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Answer 6

Wow, well-spoken!!
You should've placed this in the R&S category. A lot of your fellow believers need a wake-up call.

You are correct in the babylonian myths of creation and the flood.
Even the fall of satan in the book of revelation is a common folktale from that period.
I have total respect for a christian who has studied and chooses to believe anyway.
I wish I could give you ten points for this. I'll have to settle for the star :)
Blessings,
Kallan

Answer 7

I don't think the bible is Based on Myth.

Answer 8

well I think of it like the Iliad and the Odyssey both by homer where it is a true story that is exaggerated

Answer 9

No
I believe itos a book of metaphores.
Not to be taken lightly, but not seriousely either

Answer 10

You can't imagine my surprise in Sunday School when I realized they expected me to actually believe all those stories. I thought they were great to learn from, but not real. But then, I never actually believed in God, either.