Myths Misuses as the Significant Spiritual Directions - Essay Example

Myths discredit historical information that aims at communicating deeper truth. However, myths do not illustrate lies. They entail symbolic issues that are communicated by stories. The myths also illustrate art that conveys an adequate understanding of the human experience. It is a falsehood to illustrate myths as lies. An adequate understanding of the myth concepts ensures an appropriate analysis of the overall mythology. Hence, myths cannot be properly addressed without analyzing overall mythology. Myths cannot be separated from mythology. They should be whole or complete so that the parts work together to ensure the life flow in the myths.

Thus the usage of the word ‘myth’ is inappropriate. This shows the ignorance of the individuals and the organizations that misuse the term. But people should not be misused. This is because the mythology concept is alive and actively applicable today inform of religion. The only challenge presently is that no single unifying methodology exists. The key religious organizations misuse the term to suit their interests. Multinationals also minimize the thinking abilities of individuals (James, 2008).

Functions of Myth
Joseph Campbell illustrates the four key functions of myth. The functions are; metaphysical, pedagogical, cosmological, and finally sociological. The metaphysical function involves analyzing mystery and creation wonders. This enables adequate opening of the mind and also senses to develop awareness for the mystical being that is the origin of the entire phenomena. The cosmological function enables the description of the shape of the universe or the entire world. Thus, the cosmos contained in the world becomes alive, with significance. Each and every rock, plant, the animal has adequate meaning through the cosmological myth provided by the myth.

The sociological function aims at forming ‘the law’. The law guides the moral and ethical standards of individuals in a particular structure to adhere to. This assists in defining culture, and the resultant social structure. The pedagogical function results in certain rites of passage that describe several life stages. The life stages are; dependency, maturity, old age, and death. The passage rites ensure harmony and enable the journey process from one level to another very comfortable and directed towards a particular purpose (James, 2008).

The mystical issue, the significant spiritual direction that describes God, has mainly been a challenging issue to communicate. Several individuals explain that the basic aim of the myth entails identifying approaches to communicating the mystical insights that got through the journey. Other issues regarding the mystical experience involve; understanding universe mysteries, appreciating the universe's wonders, and the sense of rapture. Because these issues cannot be adequately communicated by direct approaches, the myths are expressed through metaphors, symbols, and symbolic narratives. Read More