Do Myths Make the Bible Invalid?

If the Bible is based on myths and stories is it time we discard it?  In an article addressing, Myth and the New Testament, University of Manchester Professor F.F. Bruce speaks of Rudolf Bultmann and his demythologizing programme. Bultmann’s thesis, in brief, is that if the gospel is to make its impact on men and women today, it must be freed from its ‘mythological’ formulation. What would happen if we freed the Bible of all its myths and only relied on what could be scientifically and historically validated?

To make this decision, we must first examine what a myth is. The dictionary says a myth is a traditional or legendary story, usually concerning some being or hero or event, with or without a determinable basis of fact or a natural explanation. Basically, a myth is a story that can’t be proven.

 In A Short Introduction to the Hebrew Bible, John J. Collins suggests that anytime we hear a tale about a talking snake, it’s a good indication we might be looking at myth.   I think I’d have to admit that when I read a story of a man swallowed by a fish, walking on water, or turning water into wine, I might be reading a story that is a potential myth candidate. Even if the stories may not be true, it doesn’t mean we have to throw them out? 

 

 A myth is a story that was told in an ancient culture to explain a practice, belief, or natural occurrence (Merriam-Webster). Just because a story is a myth, doesn't mean it isn't relative or spiritually powerful.  Myths are passed from generation to generation because they have stood the test of time, because, myths by nature, always point to a truth.