- This topic is empty.
-
Posts
-
So today I finished The Power of Mythby Joseph Campbell. I gotta say, I absolutely loved it. I don’t mean to be negative, but I learned more from those 6 hours of interviews than I’ve learned in about the last 10 readings of the Book of Mormon. In fact, now the Book of Mormon makes much more sense to me and I’m anxious to give it another read through the lens of my new found knowledge. Just imagine how much more sense the doctrines of the church would make to people if they had the insight of some of the things Joseph Campell had to say!! Anyway, here’s my revelation. As I was sitting there finishing up the last interview “Masks of Eternities,” it all just hit me like a ton of bricks. I now understand what you guys are talking about when you say Joseph was a prophet, just like me, just like each of you, just like everyone. The doctrines of the church, virgin birth, man becoming like God, Jesus and God becoming “one” with each of us, Celestial Kingdom, eternity, etc. all make so much more sense to me. I love the idea that eternity is here, right now, in each of us because it transcends the physical. We must have our own “virgin birth” of the spiritual within us in order to become “one” with Christ. Very profound, very moving for me.
One last thing. I love the power I feel knowing that all the myths, and religions, the world over, from the beginning have had almost the exact same themes, exact same stories, and the exact same source. I feel more connected to the world around me, more connected to each of you, to everyone on earth, and to those who passed before. We are truly expressing the “god” or “word” within each of us as we participate in the rituals, read and understand the myths, and surrender our wills to a higher energy that pervades everything in the universe, including ourselves!
Oh how I wish I had known about Joseph Campbell 15 years ago. However, even as I say that, I know I most likely would have rejected it back then.
I read this after writing my comment on the other thread. This is a great insight, and I hope it propels you forward in ways that you couldn’t imagine those 15 years ago. Thanks brother. I am downloading it right now. It sounds like it provides a lot of great insight. Remember this moment, brother. Write down and memorize this date. Now you know what I mean by my “second conversion”. October 27, 2003. I could say much, much more, but just remember and savor this moment. And at this moment I would love to see pages more of your thoughts. Type away. [Later in the day]
Re: Book of Mormon and broadening your scope“If you keep on doing what you’ve always done, you’ll keep on getting what you’ve always got.”You were in a rut with the Book of Mormon. It wasn’t speaking to you. Only a brother from outside your tribe could show you what you were missing. I have experienced this powerful concept also. “If at first you don’t succeed, try a different approach.” “Keep seeking until you find.” Make the Book of Mormon a PART of your devotional reading, and make LDS sources a PART of your search for enlightenment.
Re: The Power of Myth“Behold, they have a form of Godliness [a myth], but they deny the power thereof.”What good is a myth without the underlying power? “For behold, the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.”
Wow … that is sooooo awesome jmb275. I am really happy for you. The Power of Myth is a great read. I could just sense the energy of a profound breakthrough just pouring out of your post. Isn’t this such a beautiful universe from this new perspective? jmb275 wrote:Oh how I wish I had known about Joseph Campbell 15 years ago. However, even as I say that, I know I most likely would have rejected it back then.
I agree so much with Tom. Savor this moment and remember it forever. We can’t be who we are now without having gone through what we did. You are right. You would not have understood 15 years ago, even if someone told you plainly what is so obvious to you now.
Woo Hoo! Congratulations! I agree that PoM really does shift one’s perspective. It’s a real eye-opener. Similarly, this would change one’s perspective on the temple as well – there are some very interesting symbols that don’t get any attention because the ceremony is so mechanical and droning. Thanks for the inspirational post. I just ordered the PoM from Amazon and look forward to delving into it after reading Stages of Faith. I really appreciate everyone who shares parts of their personal journey here and what they are learning along the way…it is immensely uplifting and helpful for me.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.