Quote by Michael Shermer, Why People Beli

Myths are about the human struggle to deal with the great passages of time and life - birth, death, marriage, the transitions from childhood to adulthood to old age. They meet a need in the psychological or spiritual nature of humans that has absolutely nothing to do with science. To try to turn a myth into a science, or a science into a myth, is an insult to myths, an insult to religion, and an insult to science. In attempting to do this, creationists have missed the significance, meaning, and sublime nature of myths. They took a beautiful story of creation and re-creation and ruined it.

Myths are about the human struggle to deal with the great pa

Summary

This quote emphasizes that myths serve a fundamental purpose in addressing the universal experiences and transitions throughout human life. It argues that attempting to interpret myths as scientific explanations or turn scientific theories into myths diminishes their true value. The quote specifically criticizes creationists for reducing the beauty and significance of the creation myth through their attempts to present it in a purely scientific manner. It highlights the importance and sublime nature of myths in addressing the psychological and spiritual needs of humanity.

Topics

Mythology Myths

By Michael Shermer, Why People Beli

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