MYTHICISM IN THE ABRAHAMIC TRADITION VS HISTORY IN THE EUROPEAN TRADITION
|VERSUS|: Europeans: Aristocracy, History and Natural Law
vs
Semites: Priesthood, Mythicism and Authoritarian Law.
Context (Origins)
Much of the mythicism in the Abrahamic tradition is relatively recent (between the 2nd century BCE and the 1st century AD) aligns with the period of Hellenistic influence and the formation of key texts and ideas in Judaism and early Christianity.
During this time, Jewish thought was influenced by Greek philosophy, and significant religious literature, including the Dead Sea Scrolls and the apocryphal and pseudepigraphal writings, was produced.
This period also saw the development of the Pharisaic and early Rabbinic traditions, which further shaped Jewish and Christian religious thought.
Mythicism (Covey Meaning Produced by Others)
Mythicism refers the production of fictional history by incorporating events, people, myths, legends, loading, framing, and propaganda. The audience is left with the responsibility of interpreting these figures or stories as symbolic, allegorical, or fictional, rather than as real, historical events or individuals. Mythicism was, historically the interpretation of ‘wisdom literatures’ produced by mythicism especially among south eurasians from the west coast of north africa to the east coast of India. The Chinese chose a philosophy of harmony (social), and somewhat mythologized the past. The europeans chose rational (legal, political) philosophy and sought to produce history (legal evidence).
Properties of Mythicism:
– Symbolic Interpretation: Mythicism interprets religious or historical narratives as symbolic or allegorical, often conveying deeper truths or cultural values.
– Skeptical of Historicity: Mythicists often question or deny the historical existence of certain figures (e.g., Jesus Christ in some versions of Jesus myth theory).
– Cultural and Religious Context: Myths are seen as products of their cultural and religious contexts, reflecting the beliefs, values, and practices of the people who created them.
– Narrative Structure: Mythic narratives often involve supernatural elements, deities, or heroes, and serve to explain natural phenomena, human behavior, or cultural traditions.
History (Derive Meaning Yourself From Evidence)
History consists of the study of past events, particularly those involving human activities, societies, and civilizations. It is based on the critical analysis of evidence such as documents, artifacts, and other records, aiming to reconstruct and understand past realities.
Properties of History:
– Empirical Evidence: Historical study relies on empirical evidence, including written records, archaeological findings, and other material artifacts.
– Methodological Rigor: Historians use critical methods to evaluate sources, verify facts, and construct coherent narratives about the past.
– Focus on Actual Events: History seeks to document and explain real events and developments, distinguishing between factual occurrences and fictional or mythological accounts.
– Contextual Analysis: Historical analysis involves understanding events within their broader social, economic, political, and cultural contexts.
Comparison of Mythicism vs History
– Basis: Mythicism often interprets narratives as symbolic or fictional, while history focuses on factual, evidence-based accounts of past events.
– Purpose: Myths typically serve to convey moral, philosophical, or cultural lessons, whereas history aims to provide an accurate and coherent account of what actually happened.
– Methodology: Mythic interpretation relies on literary and cultural analysis, while historical study employs empirical research, source criticism, and contextual examination.
Cheers
CD