Exactly, my point...we remember the myths and the truths of the
parables because they are stories. Are they true...well the
informating ideas behind them are true as life soon proves to
us...and this is what I mean about practical wisdom.
This is getting a little far from our subject, but religions
would not survive and attract millions of people if there were
not some truth involved. It's because man must find a way
to express the inexpressible that myths, legends and
so forth exist at all.
Myths were believed too at one time, and I have doubt there
is a kernal of truth in every one. I don't believe people
were any more gullible (or less) 2000 years ago than they are
today...
As far as truths in religious texts are concerned, I'm talking about
truths like the following:
Fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The waywardness of the naive shall kill them.
Go to the ant, O sluggard. Observe her ways and be wise, which
having no chief, office or ruler prepares her food n the summer
And gathers her provision in the harvest.
A gentle answer turns away wrath>
Whether one even knows where these came from, that person can recognize
the "truth" of the statement.
And, hey, classic comics DO tell the story... :)
Darlene Sybert
http://www.missouri.edu/~c557506/index.htl
University of Missouri at Columbia (English)
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A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
It's loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
-John Keats "Endymion"
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