Sociology Assignment: Analyzing the Myth of Genesis, Lincoln's Theory

This assignment delves into the sociological analysis of the Genesis myth, focusing on how it exemplifies mythological narratives. It examines the creation story within the context of Bruce Lincoln's theory, which aims to differentiate myth from other forms of narrative by highlighting its significance in societal structures. The assignment explores the historical background of the myth, contrasting it with scientific explanations like the Big Bang theory, and discusses the importance of understanding the origins of myth, including the role of myths in human history and society. The assignment also includes a proposal outlining the student's approach to analyzing the Hainuwele myth, focusing on the re-establishment of proper relations of exchange and the myth's implications.

Running head: SOCIOLOGY
Sociology
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1SOCIOLOGY
The myths are one of the most important narrative texts that are relevant to both Eastern
and Western parts of the world. Here the story of Genesis (1-9) would be taken as the example
and its significance as a myth will be evaluated properly. In these chapters of the Genesis, the
creation of the universe has been discussed. According to most critics and scholars of the
Christianity, it has been noted that first three chapters of Genesis do not contain any kind of
historical truth (Lincoln 2014). Therefore, the creation of the universe by God is completely
taken as a myth. Christians tend to believe that there is only one way by which the Bible could be
understood.
The stories and narratives of the Holy Bible are to be interpreted as the words of God.
Most of the critics have opined that first three chapters of the Bible are basically the tales or
parable of the prodigal son, Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is quite clear that Genesis has not asserted
any kind of truth claim Thus, it is quite clear that it is completely different from the other types
of narratives (Graves and Patai 2014). It has been noted in several narrative stories where similar
stories of the authoritative approach have been repeated so the order can be maintained in the
society. These stories do have some historical backgrounds.
On the other hand, the stories of the Genesis (1-9) do not have any particular kind of
historical backgrounds. Therefore, they are considered as only myths. The purpose of these
mythical stories was to show the human species about their origins (Graves and Patai 2014). It is
more viable as a myth because the scientists have already proved the origin of earth through Big
Bang theory. The creation history of the earth by God taking many weeks is created in a mythical
manner for readers and Christian followers.

2SOCIOLOGY
References
Graves, R. and Patai, R., 2014. Hebrew myths: The book of Genesis. Rosetta Books.
Lincoln, B., 2014. Discourse and the construction of society: Comparative studies of myth,
ritual, and classification. Oxford University Press, USA.