Religion as an index into psyche

The stories of the bible are mnemonic, a memory device, a framework for which we can apply an understanding of our personal lives.  In acrobatics a few weeks ago, Athena said that she can relate many of her experiences back to something she learned or understands through acrobatics.  And in that way she can communicate to acrobats about her experience using a shared understanding.  In terms of religion and the associated shared mythology and culture, they can relate emotional, spiritual, physical, and social problems and solutions back to a shared understanding.  So that when someone says, "I was hurt when you did this that way," he can follow with, "I felt like Cain when he went over to blah and this dude did this thing to him."   [My Bible knowledge is somewhat limited]  That shared understanding allows everyone to be on the same framework.  It's a shortcut, an index into the psyche.