Sermon for St George
What happened to George after he killed the dragon? Myths are a powerful thing. Myths can be a way of explaining – a way of seeking a past that explains the present. Yet myths can be something that – in their explaining – define us, too. Myths may build backwards – seeking to bring into being a history, a tradition, a past that can help justify – defend, rationalise, even – where we are today, but this link is not merely one-directional. In their description of the ‘then’, they impact directly on the ‘now’. They form part of our identity building, developing something of the ‘who-ness’ of who we are. They have authority, and influence – they have a hold over us in a way that we don’t always recognise. At their best, they give us a sense of purpose, a sense of group identity that is both cohesive and inspirational. Yet this group identity can go awry – can push us towards a sense of demeaning superiority, lead us to scapegoat others, drive us to do things as a c...