Again, I am one who firmly believes that every myth contains some amount of truth to it. Myths are based on some truth, some where in the myth is the truth. Religion is it's own myth. Each culture has it's own beliefs and accept them on faith as truth. Stories can be true, not all are fictional. A biography is still a story but it is about someone's life. "Inspired by a true story."
Truth:
A fact that has been verified- (Verified. You cannot verify faith or religion or myth.)
Conformity to reality or actuality (Conformity is the key word here. Still doesn't make it true.)
A true statement
The quality of being near to the true value
Truth is the basis of science and philosophy, presenting the intellectual foundation of religion.
Science is based on speculation before it is confirmed as fact and can be called truth. Prove the big bang, prove God exists. No one can we can only speculate and hope we're right. Philosophy is as you say, but it still a contemplation of faith. Only faith keeps religion alive.
Religion:
A strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny
An institution to express belief in a divine power
The myths are the stories of supernatural powers that control human destiny and they are institutions that express belief in the divine. Just like we do, they named an attribute of nature, gave it a face, and worshiped it.
I don't see how mythology couldn't be the first religion, Maejston, given that religion, by it's very nature simply implies, worship of something.
Cleasterwood, we all know that the flood myth came from Mesopotamia. Maybe monotheism came from Zoraster.
I'd like to talk about "Exodus." Did you see then program Exodus Decoded last summer? Some very new ideas about the Hyksos, Hewbrews, the ten plagues and the parting of the Red (or Reed) Sea.
It doesn't actually fit the criteria of this topic, but do you have any thoughts on that?
I saw the Ten Plagues and the scientific (I use that term loosely) explanations behind it. I think the only one they couldn't explain was the death of the first born child. I'm not so versed in the Exodus as it isn't really my area of interest. Creation myths, myths about some of the kings, but particularly I'm a 4th Dynasty woman. I have an affinity for the Pyramids and the Sphinx. I also enjoy a little Atlantis here and there.
I suppose I could give you my thoughts if you have something specific you'd like to know my opinion about. I will have to get a chance to watch Exodus Decoded so we can talk about it.
