Sacred Stories or Myths Essay

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Myth

According to Kessler (n.d.), there are five main theories of myth. Each of these theories is valuable and valid. Not all myths and related phenomena like ritual and religion can be explained by only one theory. To pick just one theory would be oversimplifying the complex phenomena of myth. Moreover, myths in different cultures serve different functions.

The five theories of myth outlined by Kessler (n.d.) are as follows. First, rationalistic theory suggests that, "myths are an attempt to explain things," but are just "false explanations," (p. 71). This is a common and generally true view about myths, but it can be dismissive of the role that myths play in shaping cultural values and cultural identity. Other theories offer a richer discussion of the role of myths. The functionalist theory of myth is commonly used in the social sciences (Kessler, n.d.).

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According to the functionalist theory, myths satisfy social and psychological needs such as the creation of social identity and solidarity. Like rationalistic theory, functionalist theory agrees that myths are essentially false but also acknowledges their social scientific value for an individual or society.

The structuralist theory of myth similarly is not concerned with the intrinsic veracity of myths. However, structuralist theory pays attention to the way myths create their own syntax and classification systems for human societies and individuals. Structuralist theory can be used in conjunction with other theories of myth, because it does not necessarily conflict with the other points-of-view. The symbolic and phenomenological theories are similar in that they place more value on the possible spiritual meaning of myths. The symbolic theory is the antithesis of the rationalistic theory in that it shows myths….....

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