Myth became fact

 Lewis's essay, Myth became fact was by far and away my favorite of his writings I read this semester.


Conveniently it is also one of his shortest works. Basically lewis argues that while the new testament is real history, it is also a myth. Lewis doesn't see the two concepts as mutually. He also argues that making the choice to engage with the text, as a myth is more powerful than as history! Narratives, invite curiosity, in an all together different way than a list of facts. Myths invites readers to ask questions about why it was written the way it was. When I read a history book I'm not asking myself why the author choose the write the story the way he did. After all a good historical account shouldn't really have an author it all. It happened because it happened. However in the case of a religious text, it could be altogether different. If God really does exist, than every page of the bible was divinely set in motion before time began. Now that invites questions! Why would God divinely orchestrate his story to play out the way it did. 

Let me give a practical example. Think of Jesus's miracles. If one engages with a healing story as merely a historical account, they might miss the actual point. Jesus's healings have more significance when understood in the context of the whole story God has weaved over thousands of years with the Jewish people. Some engaging with the text as myth may note that traditionally in jewish culture, touching someone who is bleeding would make them ritually unclean. However, when Jesus touches the woman with the issue of blood he makes her clean. He reverses how the story is expected to play out.

In summary. Myths invite cursisty and impact people far deeper than a list of historical facts. Lewis beleives it is no accident that God chose to reveal himself through myths 

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