tlhIngan-Hol Archive: Wed Aug 17 23:27:08 1994
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Re: I shouldn't ask...
According to R.B Franklin:
> ... To superimpose some kind of foregone conclusion on the
> contents of the work by labeling it a "myth" calls into question the
> objectivity of the translator, and therefore the accuracy of the
> translation...
>
> jIrIn,
> yoDtargh
>
Clearly, "myth" is less of a judgementally loaded word to me
than it is to yoDtargh. I did not intend to DISMISS the bible
as myth. I intended to DESCRIBE the bible as myth. I think of a
myth as an important story with social significance. I do not
think of myth as an antonym for "fact", which seems to be what
people are reacting to. My Concise Oxford says, "Traditional
narrative usu. involving supernatural or fancied persons etc.
and embodying popular ideas on natural or social phenomena
etc..."
So, is the bible traditional narrative? I think so. Does it
involve supernatural persons? I suspect God might satisfy
that requirement. Does it embody popular ideas on natural or
social phenomena? If not, then there are a lot of radio
stations out there broadcasting a lot of stuff that APPEARS to
cite the bible as a prescription for just that.
But people wish to discard this useful, core meaning of the
word "myth" because the word is associated with "fiction" and
as such has been broadly misused in modern times. Call it what
you will. My intent was somewhat less sinester than is
apparently suspected.
charghwI'