MYTH AND RITUAL IN CHRISTIANITY

by Alan W. Watts ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 22, 1954

Wide reference and the warmth of a revitalized faith Christianity can bring to mankind characterize a penetrating and broadminded study of mythological processes and their particular manifestation in the Judeo-Christian tradition. The premise which Watts himself opens to question, is that mythology is a complex of stories taken to interpret the inner meanings of the universe and not untrue or fanciful. Christianity he defines as the combined traditions of the Roman and Eastern Orthodox churches. Then examining various socio-psychological theories, he disproves the ""evolutionist"", goes further along in agreeing with Jung's statement that myth is a spontaneous outcome of the collective unconscious, but finally establishes his own working relationship with the ""doctrine of mystical tradition""- that reality is one-which theologists today disfavor because of their fear of syncretism and of mystical individualism. Within this framework comes the body of the book- a thorough discussion of church doctrinal developments in relation to the seasons of the coleastical year, as they are related to Christ's life and the primary fall of man. Final emphasis is on the present as ""now"". Looked at in new light Christian doctrine does teach living fully for the moment and the cultivation of an innate virtue. A professor at the American Academy of Asian Studies, Alan Watts is known for many works on oriental religion.

Pub Date: March 22, 1954

ISBN: 0807013757

Page Count: -

Publisher: Vanguard

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1954

Categories: NONFICTION