Myths or parables?

Myths or parables?

Today, there are societies where people share the same values as found in myths. There are also societies where people have the same values as in the parables? Do we want to live in a society that has the values of the parables or do we prefer the values of myths?

Myths value strength, toughness, courage, anger, the ability to win over enemies, and win eternal fame.

The parables value solidarity, humility, love, faithfulness, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and respond to a harsh word with a gentle answer.

The myth is set in a world of its own

The myth is a special kind of story that is usually played out in one's own world. This world usually has different rules than those found in the ordinary world. Mythical creatures have superpowers, such as the ability to fly or cast light rays. Everything that happens in the mythical world is "true" in the sense that everything obeys the rules of that world.

Myths respond to people's longing for something heroic, whether it is Zeus, Thor, Luke Skywalker, or Wonder Woman acting heroically. These heroic characters fight evil forces, endure difficult journeys, and develop skills that make them more victorious.

Parables are another type of story

Parables are another type of story. It usually takes place in reality and it is about ordinary people, never superheroes. Parables should tell and teach.

People in the parables face a moral dilemma – think of the Good Samaritan and the Lost Son. These stories express charity, faithfulness, kindness, forgiveness, dedication, and love.

Myths tend to praise greatness and heroic superiority. Parables tend to strike at superiority and praise humility and service to others.

There’s also goodness in the mythical world

There’s also goodness in the mythical world – to heroically stand up for justice, be loyal to friends and fierce to enemies. But in history, there are some examples of societies that relied too much on mythical values.

Myths or parables? Do we value highly mythical values such as strength, toughness, courage, righteous anger, the ability to win over your enemies, and win eternal fame? Or do we attach greater importance to the parables values such as solidarity, humility, love, faithfulness, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and responding to a harsh word with a gentle answer?