When there was a diphtheria outbreak in 1925 in a remote town, Nome, Alaska, Dr. Curtis Welch called for diphtheria antitoxin. It had to be relayed by a dog sledge team of 150 dogs over 250 miles of the life-saving medicine. Many people were saved from death by the timely medical intervention. In the Cleveland Natural Museum, Balto, one of the lead dogs, is preserved, while another Togo is preserved in Wasilla, Alaska. There is a shrine built for two stray dogs. After the death of these dogs, someone had a dream that these two dogs were special guardian dogs of villages and they should be deified. (Times Now 23 August 2025)
History and myth: The dogs Balto and Togo were involved in transporting the medicine to a remote town, crossing treacherous, snow-capped mountainous regions. The documents of evidence, and people who were involved in transporting the medicine, providing medical care, testified about the role of dogs during a historical natural calamity. In contrast, the dream of someone becomes a factor in building a shrine for two dogs, whose contribution is not evident. The museum is to look back into history and reflect, but the myth created by the shrine is for worship, whose contribution is unknown and unverified.
Unknown: An altar was erected to worship an unknown God in the city of Athens. (Acts 17:23) His attributes, works, and contributions were not known. Similarly, the worthiness of dogs as objects of worship was not ascertained, yet worshipped based on a subjective dream of someone.
Revealed: Paul declared in Athens that God is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not dwell in temples or shrines. He is not served by humans, as God gives life to all humans. As Sovereign Lord, he determines the history and geographical boundaries of nations. As God has created humans, he is not like an image of metals or an art or a piece of human imagination. (Acts 17:24-31) God has revealed Himself in nature, in the Bible, and through His Son, Lord Jesus Christ.
Do I believe in myths or historical revelation?