Genesis 3 part II: myth as vehicle for a polemic against religion, ideology and wisdom

Myth can function as an infrastructure of religious beliefs and cultural systems. However, in contrast certain types or modes of mythological literature may function as polemical attacks on controversial claims or views/beliefs held by individuals or groups of ancient times or any time. In this resp...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Kruger, H. A. J. (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Interlibrary Loan:Interlibrary Loan for the Fachinformationsdienste (Specialized Information Services in Germany)
Published: 2001
In: Old Testament essays
Year: 2001, Volume: 14, Issue: 2, Pages: 214-234
Further subjects:B Myth
B Genesis 3
B Christianity
Online Access: Volltext (kostenfrei)
Description
Summary:Myth can function as an infrastructure of religious beliefs and cultural systems. However, in contrast certain types or modes of mythological literature may function as polemical attacks on controversial claims or views/beliefs held by individuals or groups of ancient times or any time. In this respect the mode of expression may be understood as task myth, sometimes with a satirical focus. The outcome of myths entertaining these ideas may have a sobering effect on their hearers/readers, especially on those who make excessive claims, abuse political power, or those who purport to possess a monopoly on wisdom. In this sense, myths may serve as vital allies of religion and help to break down social ills and restore certain values in society. The essay hopes to illustrate that Genesis 3 can be approached along these lines.
ISSN:2312-3621
Contains:Enthalten in: Old Testament essays
Persistent identifiers:HDL: 10520/AJA10109919_897