Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Following Joseph Campbell's theory, can we consider Jesus Christ ( among others) to be a hero archetype?
Whoever he was, Jesus appears to have been a selfless man who pointed out lies and searched for truth. In this way he sets an example for some of us to overcome ( outwit?) our human limitations and this "Barnum and Bailey Circus" world we live in. That said, is "hero" a big enough title for the man? And why do Jesus or the God who many pair him with appear by many to require being worshiped? From what I've read of Christ, worship and acclaim mean nothing to him. Didn't he say "the kingdom of God is within" meaning that change must begin within ourselves? To me it seems that outer behavior (good works or whatever) must be manifestations of inner good and wholeness, and not just the need to "obey" some judge in the sky. In my opinion, this would make those who in love ( rather than in fear) emulate what we know of Jesus to be true heros as well. Of course "hero" is just a word, and a word is merely a symbol. Could Jesus then be only a symbol? Back to Joseph Campbell!
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