As a self described Atheist/Quaker/Jew, I completely empathize with the idea of respecting all of your roots. Plus, Greek myth, modern cultural exchange, etc, it all makes us who we are.
I also see language choice as a translation issue. So, if someone says spirit, and say self, I translate that in my head. Like any translation a lot is lost, but the general idea is what I try to focus on. The shared human experiences. We are Star dust and the idea of being made from clay (the earth?) seem similar enough to me to try to find the commonality.
The example of using astrology makes the point so much more. I don't believe in or use it, but the way Green explains the through line of human myth, story, and long tapestry makes beautiful sense.
Hi Chloe, Thank you for this post about Christ as a mythic symbol. I'm Jewish and I was thinking a lot about Jesus recently, both because of the Hannukah/Christmas overlap this year and because it I feels like we're in a time in the world when both religions are called to face their historic and current relationship with each other.
I've often felt some mixed feelings about the symbol of Christ. A part of me really loves myths about a hero who is willing to suffer and die for something he/she believes in and who redeems the world through sacrifice. (Think: Neo from the Matrix or Luke Skywalker.) I think there is universal resonance with the life/death/rebirth cycle of Jesus. As you discuss, Jesus's struggle with God and frustration with the injustices and tragedies of life are very relatable. As an expression of unconditional love, Jesus is extremely inspirational. The Christ symbol also reminds me of the Hanged Man, one my favorite tarot cards.
My trouble with how the Jesus symbol is sometimes utilized is more in the idea that martyrdom is the *only true* face of divinity, that spiritually is *only* present where one is experiencing suffering, and not also in other human experiences like happiness, health, sensuality, friendship, etc. Your approach of seeing Christ as one symbol among many is speaks to me because of this.
One dark side of the Christ symbol, which you've also discussed when reflecting on different aspects of the Israel/Palestine conflict, is the Savior Complex. One thing I've noticed recently is a lot of spiritual leaders excitedly cheering for an "End Times" while taking on the persona of a Savior. I think it may be because many people are suffering and yearn for a deeper meaning to their suffering...but then it can lead towards delusions of grandeur or a drive towards "cleansing" death and destruction for oneself and others. (The horror movie "St. Maude" is a good example of this negative psychology.)
I'd love to read more about your reflections on religious and cultural symbols in an interconnected world where everyone had many roots and influences.
As a self described Atheist/Quaker/Jew, I completely empathize with the idea of respecting all of your roots. Plus, Greek myth, modern cultural exchange, etc, it all makes us who we are.
I also see language choice as a translation issue. So, if someone says spirit, and say self, I translate that in my head. Like any translation a lot is lost, but the general idea is what I try to focus on. The shared human experiences. We are Star dust and the idea of being made from clay (the earth?) seem similar enough to me to try to find the commonality.
The example of using astrology makes the point so much more. I don't believe in or use it, but the way Green explains the through line of human myth, story, and long tapestry makes beautiful sense.
Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah!
Hi Chloe, Thank you for this post about Christ as a mythic symbol. I'm Jewish and I was thinking a lot about Jesus recently, both because of the Hannukah/Christmas overlap this year and because it I feels like we're in a time in the world when both religions are called to face their historic and current relationship with each other.
I've often felt some mixed feelings about the symbol of Christ. A part of me really loves myths about a hero who is willing to suffer and die for something he/she believes in and who redeems the world through sacrifice. (Think: Neo from the Matrix or Luke Skywalker.) I think there is universal resonance with the life/death/rebirth cycle of Jesus. As you discuss, Jesus's struggle with God and frustration with the injustices and tragedies of life are very relatable. As an expression of unconditional love, Jesus is extremely inspirational. The Christ symbol also reminds me of the Hanged Man, one my favorite tarot cards.
My trouble with how the Jesus symbol is sometimes utilized is more in the idea that martyrdom is the *only true* face of divinity, that spiritually is *only* present where one is experiencing suffering, and not also in other human experiences like happiness, health, sensuality, friendship, etc. Your approach of seeing Christ as one symbol among many is speaks to me because of this.
One dark side of the Christ symbol, which you've also discussed when reflecting on different aspects of the Israel/Palestine conflict, is the Savior Complex. One thing I've noticed recently is a lot of spiritual leaders excitedly cheering for an "End Times" while taking on the persona of a Savior. I think it may be because many people are suffering and yearn for a deeper meaning to their suffering...but then it can lead towards delusions of grandeur or a drive towards "cleansing" death and destruction for oneself and others. (The horror movie "St. Maude" is a good example of this negative psychology.)
I'd love to read more about your reflections on religious and cultural symbols in an interconnected world where everyone had many roots and influences.