Why do we tell stories? What connects ancient creation myths, modern superhero tales, and political narratives that shape entire nations? Karen Armstrong, one of the most prominent scholars of religion, argues that myth is not merely a vague memory of a distant past but a universal way through which humans give meaning to the world. In her works, she presents myth not as falsehood but as a deep narrative structure that shapes human consciousness, strengthens communities, and guides our paths—even if we are unaware of it.
Armstrong, a British historian of religion and author of numerous books on the history of religion and human consciousness, offers an innovative approach to understanding myth. She contends that myths are not just ancient stories or distant legends, but profound narrative frameworks that shape our worldview and give meaning to human existence.
In books such as A Short History of Myth and The Case for God, she demonstrates that myths are not merely explanatory tools but ways of experiencing the world more deeply. In her view, myth is an inseparable part of human experience and remains relevant even in the modern age, though it appears in new forms.
What Is Myth According to Armstrong?
The term "myth" is often perceived today as something false or unreal, but Armstrong argues that this is a misconception. For ancient cultures—and indeed, for many cultures today—myth was not a lie or fantasy but a story meant to give meaning to existence and connect humans to a reality beyond the mundane.
Myths tell us who we are, where we come from, and what our place in the world is. They offer existential structures through which individuals navigate the world and understand themselves as part of something greater. According to Armstrong, myths are not "bad science" but an entirely different mode of thinking—one that focuses on meaning rather than facts.
Myth as a Way of Experiencing Reality
Armstrong argues that modern Western society has tended to separate rationality from myth, giving exclusive authority to scientific thinking. However, she contends that this approach is problematic because myth fulfills functions that science alone cannot provide.
For example, while science can explain how the universe was formed, it cannot answer why we are here or what the meaning of life is. This is where myth comes in: it provides narratives that grant individuals a sense of purpose in an uncertain world.
Religious myths, heroic tales, and even political narratives function in this way. Every society constructs its own myths to create identity and social cohesion, even when they are no longer recognized as "religious" in the traditional sense.
Myth in the Modern World
Armstrong asserts that even in a secular age, myths continue to play a central role, albeit in new forms. Nationalist stories, technological progress, and social justice movements are examples of modern myths that shape collective consciousness.
For instance, the idea that democracy is "the only path to freedom" or that technological development is always a sign of progress—these are not just facts but mythic narratives that shape our worldview.
Popular media also perpetuates mythic structures. Hollywood films, books, and television series continue to recycle ancient mythic patterns, such as Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey, which appears in modern success stories ranging from Harry Potter to startup entrepreneurs.
Criticism and the Double-Edged Nature of Myth
Some argue that Armstrong takes a romanticized view of myths, overlooking their potential for manipulation or oppression. While myths can unite people, they can also create enemies, justify wars, or reinforce social hierarchies. Others claim that her approach leads to relativism, as if all narratives are equally valid, making it difficult to distinguish between truth and falsehood, or morality and immorality.
Nevertheless, even her critics acknowledge her significant contribution to restoring respect for myth as a crucial tool for understanding human society. Armstrong’s theory suggests that myths are not just relics of the past but a fundamental way in which humans understand themselves and their world. Even today, in a scientific and technological society, we continue to create new myths that shape our perception of reality.
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