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Myths spread quicker than the truth because they usually feed off of what people want to hear, rather than what they ought to hear. If they are said often enough, that is when they become referred to as old wives' tales or myths.

To truly understand why so many myths prevail, despite our era of modern technology, one must first realize that as humans, we are innately gullible. It is only when tricked, does a person become skeptical. Think about it; children start as trusting babies. They don't know any better until someone proves them wrong. In the same way, it is very easy to be misled by false information, especially if a person has no contact with other resources, including other people. In many ways, several religious groups and underdeveloped countries are alike in this regard.

In looking back through time, the oldest myths are those surrounding pagan gods and goddesses. Why were these myths circulated? Because people throughout the ages didn't want to accept that the Lord God was the sole creator and sustainer of life. Therefore, the ancient people - including Israelites and the competing tribes, and the Greeks and Romans - perpetuated stories of gods and goddesses for each and every element of life itself to explain the world around them.

Medicine has had its share of myths from generation to generation. Using limited knowledge that was available, people came up with cures to ailments based on herbs, superstitions, and signs via nature (wind speed and direction, cloud formations, and planet alignments, to name a few). There are many things known today that discredit most myths, such as the way a woman's belly looks during pregnancy does not determine the child's gender.

So what does that say about someone who starts a myth? Is that person a liar or simply deluded? Perhaps the best word is misguided. Someone incensed enough to want things changed might ignore facts and believe what he or she wants to, regardless of its validity. Another person might have a limited interpretation of a concept due to language barriers, cultural differences, or lack of experience with the information presented. When either of these situations occurs, the result is the same: a new myth has been created!

There will always be people who'll believe in myths. So stay informed and keep moving forward! Even with religion, God doesn't want people to believe in any new doctrine without cause. He wants people to believe as they are convinced in his or her own mind, personally understanding what the Bible has to say on every subject of life, and make decisions accordingly. That is why the Bible is considered a holy book, because its wisdom has counseled great kings and world leaders, judges, and even sinners. None of the information is myth, but it is in danger of being seen that way by those who don't understand or choose not to. Therefore, with spiritual and other realms of life, it is prudent to first test knowledge presented in light of solid facts before believing new ideas that come your way.

Learn more about this author, Natasha L. Kohlhoff Polak.
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