I remember learning about the iroquois cretion "myth" and the greek and roman "mythology" as if the religions we have today are obviously true and the others wrong.
2007-02-26 15:24:21 · 8 answers · asked by Woody 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
You are correct. This is racially insensitive terminology. The correct wording for Native "myths" of creation is Creation Stories.
They are not myths. It is a term anthropologists and scholars use, anything to belittle or demean a culture they do not understand. In fact there is plenty of scientific evidence to back up many Native Oral Tradition Histories. If you do some research you will find this is true.
2007-02-26 16:07:58 · answer #1 · answered by RedPower Woman 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As you said, those were "myths", which are a usually traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the world view of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon---meaning they are NOT religions. A religion is a commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance.
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Thanks for asking.
Have a nice day.
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2007-02-26 23:50:59 · answer #2 · answered by J T 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To be very frank with you they are called 'myths' because we can't fathom some of the types of religions pre Christians/pagan came up with. We in our small minded way, in a supposedly 'modern' thinkers wish to diminish these religions, vilify them, ridicule them and what better way than to state "Myth".
Excellent book to read on this very subject is by David Allen White, sorry can't think of the title; it's at home ...and it tackles this very question. Good question too!!
2007-02-26 23:56:01 · answer #3 · answered by Michelle_My_Belle 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
That is a kind of unintended arrogance and over-sensitive PC-ness. All stories like this are myths. The Bible is full of Christian myths, the Torah, Jewish myths etc. We avoid the word myth because so many people are sensitive to being told that they are wrong. The word myth implies neither falsehood not truth.
2007-02-26 23:28:16 · answer #4 · answered by Huggles-the-wise 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Welcome to the doorway of logic.
A religion is a myth when another religion takes power and succeeds in discrediting it.
2007-02-26 23:30:29 · answer #5 · answered by elliott 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Yeah, right right. Like the Bible stories are less ridiculous.
2007-02-26 23:28:14 · answer #6 · answered by fifimsp1 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
all religions are based on myths.
2007-02-26 23:26:47 · answer #7 · answered by john galt 2 · 3⤊ 2⤋
That is what happens to religions that are no longer practiced...
2007-02-26 23:27:34 · answer #8 · answered by Jedi Baptist 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋