This article was inspired by the Shangaan sculptor and prophet Jackson Hlungwani who has gained considerable renown all over southern Africa and further afield for his art. Jackson's sculpture is mythical. His communication is mythical. And contact with him makes one realise that faith without a mythical basis becomes - to use Cantwell Smith's distinction - mere religion .... What follows is a clarification of this statement. This article was inspired by the Shangaan sculptor and prophet Jackson Hlungwani who has gained considerable renown all over southern Africa and further afield for his art. Jackson's sculpture is mythical. His communication is mythical. And contact with him makes one realise that faith without a mythical basis becomes - to use Cantwell Smith's distinction - mere religion .... What follows is a clarification of this statement.