by A.J. Morrison

Created on: January 31, 2009   Last Updated: February 02, 2009

Myths are more than just stories. They are a means to understanding all that eludes us. They are history they transcend history. They are a part of our being. They are life.

The underlying constancy of the idea of Mythology's role in humanity is, at its core, that we are all one people. We are connected by our myths not always in character but often in concept. J.F. Bierlein elaborates on that idea in his book, "Parallel Myths" (1994) by stating, "the "primitive" and the "modern" are not all that different as we might thinkthe gaps between cultures narrow to reveal what is constant and universal in human experience." This statement not only agrees with the idea of humanity being subtly connected by the similarities of their myths making them one people, but this connection also transcends time and connects us with our past.

Mythology acting as a connection is what builds the bridge between our past, present and future creating a constant eternity. Within this eternity we are called to learn and understand history so that we might improve upon it. The vortex of constancy draws us in to realize that life does not run along a linear path but rather, it is a historically perpetuated cycle much more akin to a cylinder or sphere (Parallel Myths, 1994). Myths reflect what has been, what is, and what can come to be.

As myth connects time it becomes a vehicle to understanding the depths of a society and its people both past and present. In modern society we can use myth to explore ancient cultures. Customs, ceremonies, and deities are all windows into lifestyle and the collective understanding of ancient culture. We can view culture in raw detail when using myth as a gauge.

One might consider this inconsequential. But what we are looking at is the idea that myth teaches us about the past in order to build on and move forward to the future. In this regard myth becomes the essence of all morality. It is the driving force behind our ideals and cultures.

The ideals generated from myths are what fill the pens that write our laws. If a society was to become mythologically bare, the whole of its people might become lawless and lacking in decent morals. How? Simply because myth gives us our Gods. Our Gods give us our rules. Our rules give us our law. I do not mean this in a sacreligous way. I am a Christian. But in studying myth I see the grand connection of [a] God to being the driving force of all societies. God(s) set rules, explain nature, and give reason to moral behavior.

This force may not always prove "ethical". Jihad, cannibalism and human sacrifice to deities are all certainly controversial, if not disturbing ideas. But perhaps here is where we refer to the cylinder of life, learning from history, and using it as building blocks for the future. The afore mentioned anomalies may not see or seek a peaceful coexisting future, but those of us who do see high moral standards as hope in our society, we can use the influence of myths of the past on their societies as a basis to build better futures for ours.

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