Is it wrong to like Mythology?

Question

I mean, if you're Christian or Jewish(any Jewish answers will help), is it wrong to like stories of other cultures gods? I love mythology but I have a nagging feeling that there's something wrong about reading about it.....and knowing it.

Answer 1

I don't know what your religion says about reading for enjoyment, but there is nothing wrong with reading at all!
You are reading about other cultures, so what? Are you converting? So then, read what you like & practice your religion when you are supposed to. But, you may find out it is all one God & humans have all changed it to fit what they want to believe! And, no one now knows who the 'real' God is anymore! So, pray to what you believe, he knows & understands!

Answer 2

What's "wrong" about it, is that you'll find it relativises your own beliefs. People used to believe these stories as adamantly as as some today believe in Biblical stories.

Unfamiliarity with myth makes Biblical stories seem in a category of their own. If you're interested in this topic look at form criticism in Theology. It looks at the literary styles of different books and passages from the Bible and compares it to other writings of the time.

. Also you'll find that a lot of the Biblical material has antecedants in other mythology. See Hooke on Middle Eastern Mythology.

It's scary to begin with, but it's a liberation.

Answer 3

Mythology might not be myths to some people...somebody probably believed/believes in it.

There's nothing wrong with a comparative study of religions or folklore--the stories are designed to help teach deeper truths, truths that go beyond religion, culture, society, even time.

There's no reason to isolate yourself from the wisdom of other groups...in fact, it's harmful. Learn all you can, if only to decide you don't agree with it. But you'll probably broaden your mind and gain some perspective rather than deciding it's not for you. If you're interested in something, you're drawn to it for a reason. Something in you is looking for answers, some part of you is attracted beyond what you already know.

So pay attention to it! Feed your curiosity.

Answer 4

Why would there be?

"I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use." ~ Galileo Galilei

God has given us an enquiring mind, so why not use it?

The danger comes in becoming too enamored with the old myths and putting aside reason and trying to resurrect the old religion associated with the myths (as those who call themselves Asatru have done). But that isn't just a danger for Christians but any gullible person.

Answer 5

There is nothing wrong with Mythology. I like it because it gives me a chance to escape from the pressures of the real world.

Answer 6

there's nothing wrong with broadening your knowledge, and so what if it's a different culture, they're interesting stories. I'm sure people who aren't christian or Jewish can enjoy stories from the bible as stories

Answer 7

Well I'm Jewish and I love to read about it. I just remember that its all fantasy, but it is really interesting. I don't think that there is anything wrong with reading about it. Just cause you read about it doesn't mean that its real.

Answer 8

Mythology is just as real as the stories in the Bible and God, so I wouldn't worry about it.

Answer 9

No, knowledge is useful and myths often give insight into a different culture. Realize that many myths you read will have been toned down for younger readers.

By examining other's myths and realizing that to them they were true and not myths, you can start to identify the myths in your own life.

Answer 10

there is nothing wrong with seeking knowledge of other cultures it helps you understand them better (FYI: according to them your religion is the mythology)