Spiritual Speculation Space

Mythology

September 18, 2024

Discussion Questions

These questions are just to help get the discussion going. They do not need to be discussed in order and conversation outside of the bounds of these questions is welcome. More questions will be added closer to the event date.

Are there any myths that you personally identify with?
Some religious groups along with some atheist communities tend to set myth against either "true history" or rational/scientific thought. Does this diminish the value of mythology? What kinds of information do myths communicate? If you are a person of faith, how do you feel when other folks label your beliefs as myth?
Are we developing modern mythologies? If so, where do you see them arising? (literature? entertainment? mass media? politics? virtual and physical social networks? academia? other places?)
How do myths reflect the cultures they reside in? How do myths reflect the historical period they come from? Are there themes that persist through time and geographical distance?
C. S. Lewis described myth as “at its best, a real though unfocused gleam of divine truth falling on human imagination.” (Miracles.Touchstone, 1996. p. 176). What do you think of this idea? What do you think of the story below of Lewis's entry into Christianity via myth, in conversation with JRR Tolkien and Hugo Dyson?
Do you have personal, relational, and/or family myths? At one point do memories and shared family stories morph into mythology?
Is there such a thing as objective history?
Is there such a thing as spiritual experience without the influence of narratives?
Are publicists, gossip columnists, and influencers modern myth makers? If so, are their myths as valuable as classic mythologies?
What are your thoughts and impressions after watching the video below?

Discussion Background Materials

Material listed here is intended to enhance discussion. The inclusion of these materials is not an endorsement of their authors or the organizations publishing them. We encourage you to fact check any claims made in these materials.

This video was filmed in the Kensington area of Calgary on the street and in a cafe several years ago. It is comprised of strangers willing to spontaneously recite the myths that they appreciate. (There's also a cameo from a couple of then-child, now-adult, occasional visitors to SSS talking about fairies and unicorns).

CS Lewis on the importance of myth in his faith journey.