The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Power of Myth
Book Review: Bad book
Summary: 1 Stars
Power of Myth is one of the driest most uninteresting books I have ever read. Not only does it completely have no point, it is not in the least bit interesting. I would never recommend it to anybody for enjoyment or a class. I think Power of Myth is good only for a college doctorate class in myth. I can think of endless things I would change throughout this book to make it more interesting, but clearly that wasn't the authors objective.
Book Review: Bad history. Bad philosophy. Influential, though.
Summary: 2 Stars
Professor Campbell had a broad knowledge of mythology and religion, but his analytical skills were dulled by his philosophical commitment to nondualism (or pantheistic monism), which he uses as a Procrustean bed: all symbolism and religion is interpreted along the lines that "we are one with the nondual transcendent" that lies at the core of our being. However, monotheistic religions have never taught this, and this alien worldview cannot be read into their scriptures. Nondualism is also philosophically flawed since it denies the reality of finite entities and experiences as finally real. If all is one and all is God, why do so many humans experience themselves as finite, contingent, and subject to death and decay?
Nondualism, furthermore, disallows the reality of evil. Good and evil disappear into the nondual. But any worldview that denies the objectivity of evil is philosophically and existentially bancrupt. What of the terrorists who immolated themselves and three thousand others on September 11, 2001. Were these terrorists not evil?
Lastly, Campbell claims that God is beyond logic and language. But this doesn't stop him from making statements about what he claims is ineffable--utterly beyond any statement. This is contradictory and, therefore, false.
There is another worldview that recognizes the reality of finite and sorrowful existence, that knows and honors the difference between good and evil, and which is based on the self-disclosure of a personal and transcendent God. It is called Christianity.
Douglas Groothuis
Book Review: Biased but beautifully rendered
Summary: 3 Stars
His religious beliefs overwhelm this work, and it's sometimes tiresome, as is his selective memory of history. (I.e., Jesus's primary teaching is "love your enemies?" Please! That's a commandment: an output of Jesus's teaching that are all lost, need him for salvation, etc.) But Campbell is a magnificent story teller, and if you can get past (or choose to believe) his "All is God" beliefs, then you'll find those stories are a joy to read. The book is beautifully put together.
Book Review: Book Review
Summary: 5 Stars
The Power of Myth is an extremely informative and interesting read. Though the subject matter could lend itself to be heavy going and complex this was not the case with this book. It is well written and therefore easy to understand especially for those who are researching Myth as a beginner. A very good read indeed.Book Review: Brilliant
Summary: 5 Stars
Both Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyer create a must read from their historic interview. This book has become my blueprint.