Myth (Reformed Baptist Perspective)

Definition:

A myth is a traditional story, often involving gods, supernatural beings, or heroes, that is used to explain natural phenomena, customs, or the origins of things. Myths are typically rooted in cultural traditions and often serve to convey moral lessons or worldviews, but they are not necessarily based on factual events or historical reality. In a biblical context, myth can also refer to unfounded stories or teachings that distort the truth, especially those that contradict the revealed Word of God.

In the Reformed Baptist tradition, myths are generally viewed with caution, especially when they are employed to challenge or replace biblical truths. Myths may be used in certain cultural or literary contexts for illustrative purposes but are never considered authoritative or truthful in comparison to the inerrant Scriptures.

Key Concepts:

1. Creation Myths:
   Many cultures have creation myths that attempt to explain the origin of the universe, the world, and humanity. These myths are often in contrast to the biblical account of creation found in Genesis 1-2. Reformed Baptists affirm the literal, historical creation account in Genesis and reject mythological explanations of creation as false.

   Key Verse:

   • Genesis 1:1: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."

2. Myths and Truth:
   Myths are not seen as truthful in the Reformed Baptist perspective. While they may hold cultural or allegorical significance, they do not carry divine authority or truth. The Bible, as God's revealed Word, is the sole source of absolute truth, and myths that contradict biblical doctrine are rejected.

   Key Verse:

   • 2 Timothy 4:4: "They will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."

3. The Use of Myths in Scripture:
   While the Bible acknowledges the existence of myths and false teachings, it warns believers against following them. The apostle Paul warns against mythological teachings that distract from the gospel message.

   Key Verses:

   • 1 Timothy 1:4: "Nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith."
   • Titus 1:14: "Not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth."

4. Mythological Worldviews:
   Myths often form the basis of non-Christian worldviews, such as pantheism, polytheism, or animism. These mythologies present a worldview where gods or supernatural forces are seen as controlling the universe in a way that contradicts the monotheistic, sovereign Creator revealed in Scripture.

   Key Verse:

   • Isaiah 44:6: "Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: 'I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god.'"

5. Christ and the End of Myth:
   In the New Testament, the gospel of Jesus Christ is presented as the fulfillment of God’s promises and the end of any need for mythological explanations of existence. The person and work of Christ are the objective, historical realities that bring true meaning to life and salvation, rendering all myths irrelevant.

   Key Verse:

   • John 14:6: "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"

Reformed Baptist View of Myths:

1. Myths as Cultural Expressions:
   Reformed Baptists recognize that myths can be part of cultural traditions or stories, but these are not sources of divine truth. Myths are often used to explain phenomena or express moral lessons, but they are not to be equated with biblical revelation. Where myths conflict with Scripture, they are rejected as false.

2. Myths in Contrast to Scripture:
   In contrast to the objective truth of Scripture, myths are seen as speculative and subjective. The Bible provides the only infallible and inerrant truth about God, humanity, and salvation. While myths may reflect human creativity or attempts to understand the world, they do not provide lasting or ultimate truth.

3. Rejecting False Doctrines:
   The Reformed Baptist position is that believers must guard against any teaching that is rooted in myth or falsehood, particularly in relation to salvation, the nature of God, or the authority of Scripture. The gospel and biblical doctrine stand in direct contrast to the myths of other worldviews.

4. Mythological Influences in False Religions:
   Many false religions and cults rely on mythological elements to support their teachings. Reformed Baptists reject these mythologies, affirming that the biblical story of creation, salvation, and the gospel is the only true narrative that should shape Christian belief and practice.

Sources for Further Study:

• John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion: Calvin addresses the importance of true worship and doctrine, contrasting it with false myths and superstitions in human religion.
• Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Offers insight into the authority of Scripture over myths and false teachings, as well as the Christian worldview in contrast to mythological perspectives.
• R.C. Sproul, The Holiness of God: A book that explores the true nature of God, contrasting biblical truths with the falsehoods found in mythologies.
• Francis Schaeffer, The God Who Is There: Schaeffer discusses how different worldviews, including those built on myths, fail to provide the answers to life's ultimate questions in comparison to the truth of Christianity.

In the Reformed Baptist tradition, myths may serve cultural or illustrative purposes but are always viewed as inferior to the revealed truth of God’s Word. The Bible is the ultimate source of truth and the lens through which all claims to knowledge and understanding should be evaluated.