The Language of Myth in Religion

Abstract

For several years now men have debated the validity of various definitions of religion and religious experience. Many characteristics have, at one time or the other, been pointed out as constituting the essence of religion, such as God, morality, emotive attitude, prophets, holy books etc. But very few of the theoretical attempts at definition have taken into account myths, which form the raison d'etre of every religion. Hinduism has no prophet and no organized church; Buddhism and Jainism are atheistic; but both these religions have a large variety of myths, though not as many as in Hinduism. Puranic Hinduism in particular revolves around innumerable myths which constitute its very basis. The language of myths has posed a special problem for the student of the philosophy of religion and one is not surprised to find the so- called rational or natural theology bewildered and confused faced with this problem which it is unable to explain. One is also quite puzzles at the attempts of some of the great minds of the English- speaking world when they try to understand religion in terms of the analysis of what they call religious statements or religious as- sertions. Such analytical thinkers completely ignore the character of myths because they are unable to explain them satisfactorily. This essay will first of all seek to analyse the reasons for the failure of rational theology in understanding myths and symbols of re- ligions. It will then proceed to emphasize the importance of myths in religious experience before, finally, giving a critical estimate of the significance of myths and symbols.