GENEALOGY-DNA-L Archives

From: John Cartmell <>
Subject: Re: [DNA] OT
Date: Sun, 01 Oct 2006 09:07:05 +0100
References: <00b301c6e4df$6afeef10$6401a8c0@HP><028b01c6e4f2$5253f3d0$6401a8c0@Precision360>
In-Reply-To: <028b01c6e4f2$5253f3d0$6401a8c0@Precision360>

On 01 Oct, Lawrence Mayka <> wrote:
> applying the prejudicial term 'myth'

As an aside:
'Myth' can be prejudical in two ways: either dismissing what someone things is
true as 'just a story' - or elevating 'just a story' to the realms of
something that contains a 'Truth' above and beyond the narrative.
For our purposes here the Flood narratives can only be seen as a story - in
the same way as good family historians will take note of family stories. Take
note and be aware that there may well be a grain of truth behind it all - but
be prepared to ditch details, misunderstandings that have accrued over time,
or even, with regret, dump the whole lot.

But even if the family story about Great Uncle Fred - that he is the real heir
to the British throne - cannot be true. That doesn't mean that your Fred isn't
the bastard son of a minor Royal - and in searching the records a good family
historian will keep her eyes skimmed to detect anything that might have been
the pinch of truth that lay at the heart of the family myth.

--
John Cartmelljohn@ followed by finnybank.com 0845 006 8822
Qercus magazineFAX +44 (0)8700-519-527www.finnybank.com
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• Re: [DNA] OT by John Cartmell <>