Myths

According to Wikipedia In folkloristics, a myth is a sacred narrative usually explaining how the world or humankind came to be in its present form, although, in a very broad sense, the word can refer to any traditional story. Myths were typically promoted by rulers or priests in order to make a significant point or to teach a lesson. In many myths ordinary people were turned into superheros in order to dramatize a teaching point or to justify a ritual.  The study of myths is known as mythology - in which the various forms and origins are learned. The most common myths that most people know are ones in which ordinary people or ordinary events were elaborated by the storytellers to make either or both more significant than they originally were.  On a local level - common myths abound in regards to stories which are spread about people and events in which the storyteller is misinformed and uneducated about the very thing they are speaking. One very common myth involves religion - specifically the Catholic religion - in which the false myth is spread that Catholics treat and worship Saint Mary as a god. Nothing could be further from the truth - yet that myth just does not want to go away. In cases such as this - a person who has a negative view of another person or group - spreads myths that are plausible - but not true - to the effect that they actually become believed by the uninformed.  

In faith matters - it is always best to go to the source to verify the validity of such myths that make unsubstantiated claims. Too often it is discovered that many of these myths are outright lies - perpetuated by others seeking to destroy the faith of those followers. In the Catholic Church - our beliefs are found in Holy Scripture and in Tradition - as laid down by the Church's Fathers. Anything not found in these two sources lends itself to myths and lies. It is unfortunate that some - seeking to promote their own beliefs - try to destroy the beliefs of others.  Before one speaks in matters of faith - one needs to be informed - so they do not spread myths in place of the truth. Jesus is the Truth - that sets all people free.

Deacon Dale