Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Joseph Campbell on Myth and Religion


A quote from the late Joseph Campbell:
"Myth is other people's religion. Religion is misunderstood myth."

1-Minute Contemplation: What does this quote mean to you? Is it accurate, in your opinion? If yes, how? If no, why not? What about your closest friend or relative? What would they think of Joe's opinion?



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3 comments:

Darius said...

I'd just add that one's own religion, and not just that of others, can be a "misunderstood myth."

Mike said...

Hi Darius, thanks for stopping by! I think you're spot on with that comment. Campbell says that people call other people's religion myth (while considering their own religion non-myth). But then he says that what we call religion and everything inherent in the use of that term is really just myth misinterpreted (which definitely includes our own religion).

Don Iannone, D.Div., Ph.D. said...

This is a beauty. I missed this somehow on your blog. I like it a lot. Campbell's work means a great deal to me.