Thou Art That: Transforming Religious Metaphor (Collected Works of Joseph Campbell)

Having read other Joseph Campbell pieces, I must say I love this one. It is one of the most fascinating topics of his and open philosophical doors for any individual interested in comparative religions, mythology, and the human condition. It’s a short, quick read and packs well in a work bag!

All of the work I have read by Joseph Campbell is amazing, life changing literature and this book was no different.That said, it was tremendously disappointing to see that in this book, when he refers to Christ using a pronoun, such as he him or his, the first letter is capitalized - He, Him, His. However, when referring to other significant historical figures, such as the Buddha, the first letter of the pronouns he him and his are not capitalized.This book was published after Campbell's death and drawn from material in his video recorded lectures and unpublished works. When one looks at the works he published during his life, such as the Hero with a Thousand Faces, one does not encounter this sort of biased capitalization. Christ is referred to as he him or his. The h is not capitalized.This may seem like a minor point of contention, but it is significant to me because Campbell spent his 60+ year career uncovering and illuminating for us the thread of universal truth woven across the tapestry of all religions. So for me at least, this kind of capitalization bias misrepresents his work. It sends an unspoken signal to the reader that he thought one religion was superior to others. He did not. The fact that there is no capitalization bias in the works he published while he was still alive is a testament to that fact. The capitalization bias is, in that regard, a betrayal of his work and his legacy. Joseph Campbell saw and shows us the universal truth of all spiritual paths in his work without bias or preference, that is something that deserves to be honored and preserved.

As others have indicated I suggest you skip the editors forward, with it's own myopic view. Having said that I love this book because it isolates the thoughts of Joseph Campbell regarding religious Metaphor and Christians in particular. Taken from a series of lectures, this book is full of gems. Not only does he explain why myths aren't lies but why they have great meaning for us. This book covers most of the religious metaphors such as the Garden of eden, the flood, Jesus and the crucifixion, etc. I particularly like his use of the terms denotation and connotation in regards to what certain stories or religious myths mean. And to what he calls concrete-izing of these "stories" as if they had to be taken literally (denotation) instead of transcending or realizing the connotation or bigger "spiritual" picture. Some of what he calls "fairy tales" like the Garden of Eden story with it's fall, make no sense at all unless seen through the eyes of religious metaphor. He also touches on myriads of other subjects like the duality of life and the difference between eastern and western thought. Included also are the Gnostic viewpoints from scriptures found later in the dead sea scrolls, like the Gospel of Thomas. I love his eye opening and transcendent viewpoint which put religions in their proper place. In my own writings  Listen to the Wind Speak from the Heart  I have written extensively on seeing beyond the "letter" of the law and into the spirit of it as Jesus or Yeshua commanded. His writings bring a clarification and understanding. His explanations are a confirmation and relief for anyone that ever thought outside the envelope of the "dogma" taught by religious institutions, while at the same time renewing those who are indoctrinated to a different concept more useful to them. Buy this book and be free of the archaic interpretations that have held you in bondage all your life. For a small book it packs a punch, and calls a spade a spade!

This book is written by The Joseph Campbell foundation based on his works. Here is a pro and con of collected works: The book is written in more modern speech etiquette than Joseph Campbell's original works, making it easier to understand; as the way we speak changed a lot in 50 years. The editors did piece together some information that makes a different meaning out of context with an original work. Example: "Religions protect people from experiencing God." has a different acceptability when read in context within the book, "Inner Reaches of Outer Space".The book brings mysticism into scientific Atheism and helps people accept religion as mythology. Joseph explains how religions share similar archetypes, while being completely different. The source of these religions entered man's imagination from the same infinite mystery; the way the religions where interpreted was based on the persons scientific understanding of that time and place.

Myth is a common theme amongst Campbell's works of course, and I think this book is one of his best at illuminating what it is actually for and for what purposes it serves. Has a beautiful flow this book and I do prefer the pieces of work that stick to a unifying narrative throughout as I feel that I can engage with what is being taught more. Unlike others which are a collection of essays etc, which are fine but as emotive as books like this. Am still working my way through his collection and I think I'm a quarter of the way through now at least. Good stuff.

Thoroughly engaging and accessible read, great for both academics and the casual reader.

Great and trustworthy seller. The book arrived quickly and in very good condition. If you love Joseph Campbell, you will not be disappointed.

Joseph Campbell, my favourite author. Another amazing book.

Good book, looking forward to reading it. Service excellent.