bird
Like any other word, myth must be understood in the context in which it occurs. Sometimes the context indicates that the myth written about is the latest lie or it is a superstition.
The Bible, though it purports to be true, does deceive if it is believed literally. The stories in Genesis 1 – 11 originated in the generations before anyone could write them down. The Old Fool believes that those who believe those stories to have happened as written believes what can’t be believed.
- Banyan Tree in Florida
Nevertheless, The Old Fool believes there is truth in those ancient myths. The Old Fool is searching for that truth. He understands that the stories told in Genesis 1-11 originated in the pre-historic period when it was believed that there was a pantheon of gods who were responsilble for the universe. He thinks that the concept of a pantheon of gods is preserved in the plural elohym of the Hebrew scriptures.
In retelling the myths, The Old Fool makes use of the inquisitiveness of children. Parents of normal children recognize their curiosity about their environment and see it as normal and inevitable. Their repeated “whys” are exasperating. Exasperating, because a father must finally say to his offspring either “go ask your mother,” or “I don’t know.”
You may ask, “Who were the wizened of your retelling?” They were the elders of the clan, skinny-thin, white-haired, whiskered men, joined by elderly women who were scrawny like their male counnter parts..
The Old Fool surmizes that they may have been people like Adam who according to the Bible was 930 years old when he died, Methusalah who was 969 nears old when he died, or Enoch who “walked with God” and was 365 years old when he was not, for God took him.
Cypress Trees in Florida
What then are the truths found by The Old Fool in the origen of this ancient myth? 1. It was believed that unknown, unseen gods created the universe out of nothing, 2. Curiosity is a common trait of humankind, 3. We are at our best when we sometimes say that we don’t know.
no shame.
