A Comparative Study of The Endless Myth and the Bible
— God as Narrative Structure vs. God as Revelation —
The novel The Endless Myth and the Bible both address grand themes such as God, creation, and the end of the world. Yet they stand on fundamentally different foundations.
One is a fictional exploration of mythic structure.
The other is a sacred text regarded by believers as divine revelation.
This article compares their concept of God, creation, humanity’s role, and the meaning of eternity.
1. The Nature of God: Narrated Deity vs. Revealed Deity
In The Endless Myth, God exists through narrative and belief. Divinity is stabilised by storytelling, and the structure of the world depends on the continued existence of myth. God functions within the framework of narrative meaning.
In the Bible, however, God is self-existent and self-revealing. God does not depend on narrative for existence; rather, narrative exists because God acts in history. Humanity does not create God through belief—humanity is created by God.
- The Endless Myth: God is sustained through narrative.
- The Bible: God exists prior to and beyond narrative.
2. Creation: Structural Beginning vs. Historical Act
In The Endless Myth, creation is symbolic and structural. It forms part of a cyclical mythic framework in which the beginning and end are intertwined within a larger narrative pattern.
In the Bible, creation is presented as a decisive act of divine will. Time moves linearly—from creation to fall, to redemption, to final restoration. Creation is not merely symbolic; it is the foundational event of history.
Mythic cyclicality contrasts with salvation history’s linear progression.
3. Humanity’s Role: Bearer of Myth vs. Created Being
In The Endless Myth, humanity sustains the structure of reality by telling and preserving myth. Humans are active participants in maintaining meaning.
In the Bible, humanity is created in the image of God yet remains a dependent being. Humans enter into covenant with God, responding to divine initiative rather than sustaining the cosmos themselves.
One places humanity at the centre of narrative continuity.
The other places humanity in relationship with a transcendent Creator.
4. The End: Collapse and Reinterpretation vs. Judgment and Renewal
The “end” in The Endless Myth is the collapse of meaning. If myth fades, reality itself destabilises. Yet renewal is possible through reinterpretation and retelling.
In the Bible, the end involves judgment, redemption, and the creation of a new heaven and new earth. The conclusion of history is not merely structural breakdown but the fulfilment of divine purpose.
Both envision an ending, yet:
- One depicts structural dissolution and narrative renewal.
- The other portrays divine judgment and restoration.
5. Infinity: Eternal Narrative vs. Eternal God
In The Endless Myth, infinity lies in the perpetuation of storytelling. As long as the narrative continues, eternity endures.
In the Bible, infinity belongs to God. God is eternal, without beginning or end. Human beings are invited to participate in that eternity, but it is not sustained by them.
The locus of eternity differs:
One locates it in narrative continuity;
The other in divine being.
Conclusion: Is Myth Structure or Faith?
Though both works engage with themes of God and cosmic meaning, they represent fundamentally different approaches:
- The Endless Myth treats divinity as a structural and philosophical concept.
- The Bible presents God as a living, self-revealing reality.
The comparison ultimately raises a profound question:
Is God a figure sustained by storytelling—or the eternal source from which all stories arise?
The answer depends not only on literary interpretation, but on one’s understanding of faith itself.
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