Time for new myths? And a book to read..

Valis

I was just thinking about myths because of some of the other topics about the bible being myth, etc...I also agree w/Joseph Cambel about the importance of humans finding new myths to believe in, to some extent. Mostly about the process by which we create them. One way is via litterature...and not necessarily religious texts either. has anyone read any Orson Scott Card? In particular the Alvin Maker series? I would like to reread this set of books and wondered if anyone else would be willing to read it and discuss some of the mythology it tackles. Here is the series...

If any are interested we could set a date to start reading then another to discuss maybe the first in the series and see how it goes from there. They should be easy to find at a book store new or used...or you can buy them there on Amazon for super cheap. These are really great books w/a totally different twist on American history. I look forward to hearing from any of you that are interested.

Sincerely,

District Overbeer

Edited by - Valis on 9 January 2003 20:27:47

hooberus

Here are a few myths

Goo turned into You via the Zoo (macro-evolution)
Prince Charles came from a Frog (um, er "frog-like" amphibian creatue)
Philosophers came from Fish
The game-warden came fron the game
Fish turned into super-models
Brain-surgeons came from braciapods
Astronauts came from amphibians
Whales came from wolves (um,er "wolf-like" mammal creature)
Joseph Campbell knows more than God

truthseeker1

With arguments like that, how can someone be so misled....

Why are religions of old called myths, but ones of today not?

Is not the belief in Odin, Thor and Zeus just at believable in Jehovah?

Edited by - truthseeker1 on 10 January 2003 16:40:11

outnfree

Valis,

I would LOVE to do this! I was just talking to my friend Jann about how many ancient cultures have similar myths and how my husband and I like to read historical fiction about early man in Europe and America. Plus, my daughter has turned me on to fantasy authors. This seems to be a bit of both? Even if not, LOL, I love reading and would welcome the opportunity to join a Reading Circle. (Now doesn't that sound staid? ROFLMAO )

out

LittleToe

I've read some Orson Scott Card - I think he's a great author.
Ender's Game (and sequels) brings out the horrors of genocide.

Valis

outnfree, perhaps I'll give it till Monday to see if anyone else wants to join in, then maybe a week so everyone has time to get a copy, then maybe a week or so after that to read it?

LT...I have always enjoyed Card. Maybe you could pick up some of this series to read on your ride over...

*LOL* hooberus...I don't agree w/JC all the time, but I am interested in the evolution of myth and how it affects people's lives. The myths that the Alvin Maker series covers are unique to America and its own traumatic gestation. Another reason I thought it would be cool to read them. I do appreciate your sass though..

Sincerely,

District Overbeer

Satanus

I read some of card's books. They were alright. As a trivia point, he is a mormon.

SS

outnfree

*Sniff* *Sniff*

Guess it's just little ol' you and me, Valis. I'll pick up the first book tomorrow...

out

outnfree

Yeah, well, as I said in my e-mail, I'd found every book in the series EXCEPT the first. But now I've got it. And I've read it. And ENJOYED IT IMMENSELY.

I am sorry that I'm the only one to take you up on this 'reading circle' (LOL) idea, because I am sure that these books (I just finished the second one about an hour ago) would resonate with many in the ex-JW community.

So, is there a list of discussion questions? And shall we discuss our ideas here or via e-mail?

out

Valis

Out...gimme a day or two then we can discuss amongst ourselves without getting too verklempt over it..*LOL*..I don't see why we couldn't discuss it here. Maybe our discussion will get some others interested. I'm glad you like it. I've got a couple questions maybe you can think about while I finish it up.

Would it be too hard to get people to adopt the native mythologies that Card helps develop and remind us of?

Did you think Card was likening Alvin to the Mormon version of Jesus too much or at all? How do you think Alvin compares or contrasts to the standard Christian version of a savior or healer or nations..?

How long do you think it takes folklore to infuse itself into mainstream religion?

Were there some American myths that the book educated you on or a particular character that stuck out at you?

I'll have some more when I'm done gobbling up the rest of it. I'm almost done getting my new semester in order and will have some time this week to get back...*putting this thread in my faves so I won't forget right now...*

Sincerely,

District Overbeer

Time for new myths? And a book to read..

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