Myths to Live By

by Will Power 3 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  Will Power

  Has anyone read this book "Myths to Live By" or any others by Joseph Campbell?

  Myths and legends are found in every culture of every time period including a creation story, a fall, heros, devils, good/evil battles, flood, virgin birth, savior, resurrection, second comings, judgements, eternal bliss - Amazing

  Myth, legend, ritual all have their place as a temporary answer that binds individuals to their local group but long gone is the time when one group should claim "exclusivity" to these stories.

  The historical references, hindu, buddist, native american, et al and even christian, if they have any meaning at all, must be secondary for in times gone by where the "social unit" was the tribe, the religious sect, a nation, or even a civilization, it was possible for the local myths that serviced to represent all those beyond its territory as inferior - their human heritage of imagery was true and sanctified or at least supreme. Its young must be trained to respond positively to their own systems and negatively to all others.

  Mankind is united now and always has been in regards to the unknown.
  Its "nature" to want to "know" and its human nature to try to supply answers to everything. Having an answer - myth or reason - is calming.
  Pick the one that soothes.

  BUT careful that the "answers" you choose should not "scare" you into not living and enjoying the life you have today.
  You could end up as one with an ugly rash that won't go away.

  Good short read for different slant IMHO
• 

  Siddhashunyata

  Yes, I have read books by Joseph Cambell. He is helpful and ,of course, very interesting.
• 

  JAVA

  I read (several years ago), and have a copy of The Power of Myth by Cambell. It helped me see the value of myths, and the roles they play in religion and societal groups. It also helped me debunk the religious holiness ascribed to myths. Religions and myths are fascinating until one takes them seriously.
• 

  Will Power

  Your are right on that point.
  Another very good look on things is a recent book "The Battle for God" by Karen Armstrong.
  Goes thru the history of the 3 main religions from 1492 to present.
  History meaning how governments, wars, business, fundamentalism, etc, even the world's vocabulary were tied to these religions. Jewish conflicts, western culture vs east, how the hate began, who pushed when etc.
  Very good definitions of the mythos vs logos - imagery over reason. Some good but Many bad things started to happen when sacred texts started to be read literally.
  Published in 2000 Very timely & enlightning.
  Great starter topics of conversation, especially the fundamentalism chapters, describing the control these sects have had on people over the centuries and how they operated, alot of hmmmmms