Some error occured while loading the Quick View. Please close the Quick View and try reloading the page.
A comparison of the role of myth in understanding Christianity, comparing C.S. Lewis's literal reading with Joseph Campbell's symbolic approach.
True Myth examines the meaning and significance of myth as understood by C.S. Lewis and Joseph Campbell and its place in the Christian faith in a technological society. C.S. Lewis defined Christianity, and being truly human, as a relationship between the personal Creator and his creation mediated through faith in his son, Jesus.
The influential writer and mythologist Joseph Campbell had a different perspective, understanding Christianity as composed of mythical themes similar to those in other religious and secular myths. While accepting certain portions of the biblical record as historical, Campbell taught the theological and miraculous aspects as symbolic - as stories in which the reader discovers what it means to be human today. In contrast, Lewis presented the theological and the miraculous in a literal way. Although Lewis understood how one could see symbolism and lessons for life in miraculous events, he believed they were more than symbolic and indeed took place in human history.
In True Myth, James W. Menzies skilfully balances the two writers' differing approaches to guide the reader through a complex interaction of myth with philosophy, media, ethics, history, literature, art, music and religion in a contemporary world.
True Myth examines the meaning and significance of myth as understood by C.S. Lewis and Joseph Campbell and its place in the Christian faith in a technological society. C.S. Lewis defined Christianity, and being truly human, as a relationship between the personal Creator and his creation mediated through faith in his son, Jesus.
The influential writer and mythologist Joseph Campbell had a different perspective, understanding Christianity as composed of mythical themes similar to those in other religious and secular myths. While accepting certain portions of the biblical record as historical, Campbell taught the theological and miraculous aspects as symbolic - as stories in which the reader discovers what it means to be human today. In contrast, Lewis presented the theological and the miraculous in a literal way. Although Lewis understood how one could see symbolism and lessons for life in miraculous events, he believed they were more than symbolic and indeed took place in human history.
In True Myth, James W. Menzies skilfully balances the two writers' differing approaches to guide the reader through a complex interaction of myth with philosophy, media, ethics, history, literature, art, music and religion in a contemporary world.
Price: $36.95
Pages: 272
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Inc.
Imprint: Lutterworth Press
Publication Date:
26 February 2015
Trim Size: 9.02 X 6.02 in
ISBN: 9780718893767
Format: Paperback
BISACs:
RELIGION / Christian Theology / General, Christianity, Theology
A valuable book to put into the hands of anyone whose faith has been shaken by Frazer's The Golden Bough, or to have as ammunition for a discussion group the next time someone says Christianity is 'just a myth'.
— Kirsty Anderson
— Kirsty Anderson
Preface
Acknowledgments
1 Introduction
2 Myth, An Attempt to Define the Indefinable
3 C.S. Lewis and Myth
4 Joseph Campbell and Myth
5 Christianity as History, Mystery, and Myth
6 C.S. Lewis and Joseph Campbell on the Role of Myth in a Technological Society
7 Conclusion
Bibliography
Acknowledgments
1 Introduction
2 Myth, An Attempt to Define the Indefinable
3 C.S. Lewis and Myth
4 Joseph Campbell and Myth
5 Christianity as History, Mystery, and Myth
6 C.S. Lewis and Joseph Campbell on the Role of Myth in a Technological Society
7 Conclusion
Bibliography