THE NATURE OF MYTH
Fall 2023
Myth
01
02
03
Definition
Function
A Christian
response
Definition
• An authoritative speech
• Story/plot
• A traditional story with collective
importance
• Let’s look at this more closely
Does traditional mean old?
• Who/what is the “collective”
• How is “importance” determined? And by
whom?
•
Function
• Myths have the elements of other
literature, so how does literature
function?
• Humans are hardwired to
interpret, seek patterns, and make
connections
• Literature is a way to understand
others and ourselves
• Metaphors help us make order out
of chaos
• The Christian Vocation
A Christian Response
• “Myth Became Fact” by CS Lewis
• “Holy Sonnet 14” by John Donne
• Seven Stanzas at Easter” by John Updike