“People whose myths are grounded in nature ground their religion in nature. Those whose myths are grounded in society ground their religion in society. These are radically contrasting attitudes. One divorces you from nature, a nature that is corrupt, and the other unites you with it.”
-Joseph Campbell
Another powerful quote from a powerful thinker… I recently posted this quote on my Responsive Universe Facebook Page and it garnered a lot of traffic and interest so I thought I would attempt to expand on its meaning.
Joseph Campbell uses western based religion as an example in his writings. The conquest of the Americas is a good example of two completely different religions or spiritual ideologies colliding. According to Campbell the influx of old world European influence changed the social and spiritual fabric of the North American indigenous population (specifically the Indians). These western influences carve an even deeper scar than we may all realize. We all understand the plight of the American Indian but how has religions like Christianity and Catholic dogma affected you and I? How does it affect the world we live in today?
Campbell states, Western powers “did not respect the mystical dimension of the cultures of this land (indigenous cultures predating European influence). They didn’t respect the land itself. As a result there is this quality in America of a concrete highway laid across the land.” Campbell continues, “We are just now – especially among the young people with their ecological awareness – Just now beginning to have a sense of what the land can tell us.”
There can be dual meaning preened from this message. One is the damage we are doing to our environment; climate change, our authoritarian rule of corporations and the wars waged in the name of God – mostly by western influences. Then there is the spiritual element that has been stomped near dead by biblical verses and the threats of hell. Harsh? Maybe… Still, when there are “radically contrasting” religious and spiritual ideologies; one drawing its energy from nature, from the sun, moon and our own intrinsic True Nature: Yes pagan in character, but true, unadulterated and beautiful. The other finds its source of energy from man in the form of god, scripture and blind faith – a complete divorce from nature according to Campbell. ….Well, one has to ask; maybe Campbell’s quote is more ominous in its meaning? Maybe the same religions that claim to save our souls could be in essence stealing our soul’s divine connection to nature and Universe? What is God but everything; instinctual energy born from nature – our bridge to everything sublime… Look at the world today and it is easy to see this rift.
There are really two stories within myths. There is the history that has brought us to the present moment; the triumphs and tragedies and then there is our place in this journey; this story of life. It is not religion, but our own inner wisdom that adeptly sheds warm light on a new path; a path of self-discovery. Yes, this is my interpretation of Campbell’s quote. Still Campbell’s quote is pretty clear-cut. Further, there is no one that I know of that has studied myth and religion more profoundly than Joseph Campbell. In my own search for enlightenment, our connections to nature and inner wisdom are undeniable. It is just my opinion but when it comes to Campbell and his analysis of religion and myth, it is not scripture that speaks the gospel; it is Campbell speaking wisdom…
John C. Bader
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Living in the comfort of one’s religion does not preclude them from becoming one with the universe. However, I personally have explored, and find no comfort in western based religions. At the same time, I am not uncomfortable.
The universe exists around, and within all of us. That is where I am most comfortable.
I maintain an acceptance of others’ beliefs, and glad they have found some sort of a comfort zone. I will not speak for or, against them. I just know intuitively where I am comfortable just as I can’t know how intuitively comfortable they are within their beliefs.
Good response Dave… I agree up to a certain point. For me Buddhism relates more to my own journey to self-discovery (though it has its issues too) and I personally feel western based religion is so far off the road from my own path to enlightenment. Some would call that judgmental but really it is only an opinion. I believe everyone has their own path to follow. The flaw in western religion is its penchant to reinforce ego which includes fear and guilt. It teaches people to follow and not lead. How is one to find their True Nature and inner-self? Western based religion does not want you to do that – it would threaten their power and position in the spiritual world. But that is exactly what needs to happen. History has shown, without opposition, there is only tyranny. If there is guilt and fear within a belief system (IE fear of the devil or hell) then there is something fundamentally wrong with that system of thought. That is my opinion… JCB
I am in agreement. Much of Western based religions preach acceptance when, in fact the ego of most is, non-acceptance, except, their ‘very own.’
As you say, entire religions governed by ego.
Western based religions preach being free of fear but, it is conditional upon believing. Should one move from the prescribed path, they should fear the very worst. It becomes a half-truth at best. Don’t fear but, do have fear on my condition.
You’re free to explore elsewhere but, try returning without guilt, and remorse.
I believe, religion comes from within. It is the values by, which we choose to live. We may end up taking bits, and pieces from other widely known religions because, the pieces fit.
I am never in fear of the universe because, it is.
well put my friend… JCB