Myths_in_Conemporary_Society

9.02.09 Q2: Define: (Definitions taken from Dictionary.com) Fable: a short tale to teach a moral lesson, often with animals or inanimate objects as characters; apologue Parable: a short allegorical story designed to illustrate or teach some truth, religious principle, or moral lesson. Allegory: a representation of an abstract or spiritual meaning through concrete or material forms; figurative treatment of one subject under the guise of another Myth: a traditional or legendary story, usually concerning some being or hero or event, with or without a determinable basis of fact or a natural explanation, esp. one that is concerned with deities or demigods and explains some practice, rite, or phenomenon of nature. Legend: a non-historical or unverifiable story handed down by tradition from earlier times and popularly accepted as historical. Q3: Read your story and explain what the moral lesson is: Walking on Water... This story tells us that Jesus walked on water towards the boat that his disciples were in. When his disciples saw this, they were frightened and thought it was a ghost. However, Jesus spoke to them and calmed them. In order for Peter to believe it was him, he asked him to let him walk on water as well, and he did. Though, once it became windy, Peter was frightened and began to sink. The moral of this story is that Jesus can truly do anything and he will always be there for us when we call for his help. However, we must continue to maintain our inner faith because as soon as we lose faith or give up during our difficult moments, God’s faith in us will weaken, causing us to sink into our sins just as Peter sunk into the water. Q4: Describe the original historical context of your story: Q5: Describe our modern context: Q6: Evaluate the differences between the way we perceive and learn from the story in our context compared to the original historical context: It can be said that the parable has much so lost its context and meaning due to the modern perception. It used to be something intense and amazing that only God could do. It was the significance of his power and authority, that he could accomplish anything. It simply used to be a bible passage which people read in order to gaina better understanding of God’s messages. Now, however, it has become something like post-modernism. People read the story and convey their own message. It is now seen as an image of power which is used every now and then in movies. A man walking on water no longer has the strong significance that it use to in context of teaching it as a parable. This is because everything, due to technology, can be manipulated. People are more rational and seek the evidence. They want to see the proof of everything and are no longer content with what is simply there; everything is questioned. Little Red Riding Hood... Read Little Red Riding Hood. In 500 words, explain how this story teaches us valuable lessons for our contemporary context. The common, well-known version of Little Red Riding Girl shows a solitary girl walking in the woods to her grandmother’s house. Along the way she comes across a Wolf which with his words tricks her. He sets her up in order for her to take longer so he can prey on his food. Everything goes according to the Wolf’s plan and he succeeds. Overall, this story teaches us a valuable lesson of safety. We should always be attentive and know what is happening around us. We should also never leave our path but do what we have been told to do by trusted people. If danger does arise, you should act upon it smartly in order to prevent harm from occurring. Like in the story, Little Red Riding Hood obeyed her mother and along with her grandmother defeated the Wolf, not allowing him to get his way.