In 1978, the Czech dissident Václav Havel, later president, wrote an essay called The Power of the Powerless. In that he writes a story: A shopkeeper places a sign in his window, the slogan: ‘Workers of the world unite.’ However, he does not believe in it. Just to avoid trouble, compromise, and to survive, he does that. As all the shopkeepers did that, the system sustained. All ordinary people participated in this ritual, though they knew it was not true. It is Living within a Lie. The religious or political system’s power does not come from truth, but everyone’s willingness to perform a myth, an untruth, as if it were truth. As one shopkeeper removes that signboard, soon more follow it; the myth is cracked and broken.
Myths: There are different kinds of myths. Religious myths, historical myths, cultural myths, traditional myths, economic myths, social myths, political myths…etc. Satan offers several myths that are lies. He is an expert at making up stories as the Father of Lies. (John 8:44) People choose these lies in exchange for truth. (Romans 1:25) John Calvin wrote that the human heart is a factory of idols. It is possible to add that the human heart is a factory of myths.
Mesmerizing myths: The myths have the capacity to mesmerize the minds of the people. People belonging to lower strata of society, called the lower castes, are told myths that they were kings or knights or warriors several thousand years ago. Instead of addressing the current challenges and problems, such myths are created about a glorious past, which blunts their conscience and rational thinking.
Mystical myths: Some myths are created by mystics, who claim to have divine power. Generally, these people use power to harm others rather than build a community or a nation. Even use it for living an immoral and luxurious life.
Mirages of myths: Political myths make people believe in a great future, which, as days pass on, becomes a mirage. False Messiahs mesmerize them and ultimately destroy them.
Do I know the Truth or exchange that for a lie?