The Number of the Beast!

[Alex Bragi]

Yes, this make me smile too. That’s certainly an interesting piece of trivia, Thorne. I guess a lot of people are superstitious about odd things—numbers particularly.

I have a few odd .. well not necessarily superstitions, but odd things that I feel compelled to do. For instance, I have to have my nick-knacks around the house all in clusters of three. I’m not sure if if’s it’s unlucky not to because I’ve never chanced doing it any other way. *g*

And, Sir G, I’m one of those who are a little miffed by the use of the word ‘fairy tale’ in reference to religion. I say that not because I'm religious, or I’m trying to defend religion, but more because I feel it’s just simply not a fair thing to say, particularly here on this forum where we have many good people here who also just happen to be theists.

[Sir_G]

And, Sir G, I’m one of those who are a little miffed by the use of the word ‘fairy tale’ in reference to religion. I say that not because I'm religious, or I’m trying to defend religion, but more because I feel it’s just simply not a fair thing to say, particularly here on this forum where we have many good people here who also just happen to be theists.

A fair enough comment Alex see above. I think myth is far more applicable seeing as thats what other religions refer to my beliefs as and probably far less offensive.

[Thorne]

Merriam-Webster's online dictionary defines "myth" as -
1 a: a usually traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the world view of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon b: parable, allegory
2 a: a popular belief or tradition that has grown up around something or someone; especially : one embodying the ideals and institutions of a society or segment of society <seduced by the American myth of individualism — Orde Coombs> b: an unfounded or false notion

"Fairy tale" is defined as -
1 a: a story (as for children) involving fantastic forces and beings (as fairies, wizards, and goblins) —called also fairy story b: a story in which improbable events lead to a happy ending
2: a made-up story usually designed to mislead

And it defines "mythos"
2: a pattern of beliefs expressing often symbolically the characteristic or prevalent attitudes in a group or culture

It seems to me that Alex is right: religion cannot really be considered a fairy tale. It's more in line with a mythos.
I think you can make a point of defining the stories in the Bible, for example, as myth. Possibly even fairy tales in some cases.