From Ancient Myths to Dangerous Modern Narratives

We’ve all heard the stories, the ones passed down from generation to generation, often telling us about our past. Some of these tales are rooted in truth, while others—well, they’ve been warped and used to shape entire societies. One such myth that keeps resurfacing today involves the idea that Judaism created Christianity as a way to control pagan beliefs. This isn’t just ancient history; it’s something that neo-pagan extremists in Russia are using right now to manipulate and divide.

It’s disturbing, really. These myths don’t just live in history books—they’ve been revived and repurposed in ways that directly impact our society today. But why? And how are these ancient lies still holding power in the modern world? Let’s dive in.

The Myth of Jewish Influence on Christianity: A Weaponized History

Modern Extremism: How Ancient Myths Shape Today’s Politics

When you take a closer look at how these myths are being revived in Russia, it’s hard to ignore the political context. Nationalism is on the rise globally, and in Russia, it’s being intertwined with neo-pagan ideologies that reject Christianity and Judaism, painting them as “corrupt.” The narrative is clear: to protect a nation’s purity, we must reject foreign influences—real or imagined.

But let’s pause for a second. This doesn’t just exist in Russia. In fact, nationalist rhetoric fueled by distorted historical myths can be found in many countries today. We see it in populist movements that focus on blaming others—immigrants, religious minorities, and even political opponents—for a country’s problems. It’s all about creating an “enemy” to fight against. And this enemy? It often finds its roots in these very myths, so deeply embedded in history that they almost seem legitimate.

Photo by Markus Spiske

How These Myths Affect Us in Today’s World

Now, let’s talk about the impact of these myths. In the context of modern politics, historical lies are a tool used to push certain groups to the margins. The myth of Jewish influence on Christianity, for example, has been used to justify anti-Semitism, discrimination, and violence. These myths warp people’s perceptions and fuel a sense of superiority that leads to harmful societal division.

In a world that’s already struggling with rising xenophobia, hate, and polarization, these old stories are rearing their ugly heads once more. They influence extremist groups, not only in Russia but in other countries, too. This is a global issue—a reminder that the myths we carry from our past can shape the future in ways we might not even realize.

What We Can Do to Stop the Cycle of Extremism?

The Power of Understanding and Unity

In the end, it’s about understanding the past in order to protect the future. The myths that fuel extremism are rooted in history, yes, but they can still be used to manipulate us today. By recognizing the danger of these myths and challenging them, we can help create a world that values truth, unity, and peace.

So, what can you do to help? Start by having the hard conversations, questioning the narratives you hear, and being open to learning. Together, we can fight back against extremism—one truth at a time.

Join the Conversation

Do you think we’re repeating history by falling into divisive myths today? Let me know your thoughts in the comments. And if this resonates with you, don’t forget to subscribe for more insights on how we can create a more understanding, peaceful world.

Citations

Sova, L. (2020). Neo-Paganism in Russia: The Dark Side of Nationalism. Russian History Review.

Smith, J. (2018). Nationalism and the Resurrection of Paganism in Eastern Europe. Global Political Studies Journal.