Articulating a Spiritual Journey
It would nearly impossible to unravel the influence of The Hero with a Thousand Faces on modern pop culture. Any fan of Star Wars or Marvel movies is familiar with observations of Joseph Campbell and the way that story shapes our lives. By analyzing mythology through the lens of psychoanalysis [1], Campbell lifts the familiar patterns of stories that have (and continue) to shape those who have story formed lives. This framework is so ubiquitous at this point, that even marketing companies are using the principles to engage customers [2]. The true wonder of Campbell’s observations is how we are meant to find ourselves in the story. This is particularly true of the Hero’s Journey and how it compares to spiritual formation within the Christian context.
The story of transformation is the Hero’s Journey, which can be summed up in the monomyth with the basic rite of passage consisting of separation, initiation, and return [2]. The purpose of the rite of passage is to “…conduct people across those difficult thresholds of transformation that demand a change in patterns not only of conscious but also of unconscious life.” [3]. Campbell observes the Hero’s Journey consisting of a number of sequences within each of the rite of passage stages. I will focus on some of the sequences within the “departure” stage and how these stages can be helpful for those who are beginning their own spiritual journey and the stages that will lie ahead.
The stage that Campbell describes within the rite of passage is the “Call to Adventure.” [4]. This is the initial stage when the person comes to see the world differently and has a senses of being called from “…the pale of society to a zone unknown” [5]. I think of the person who describes becoming dissatisfied with the common story in modern culture of getting the job and family as the secret to happiness. This person will inevitably long for more in life and wonder if they are missing something. This is the point where the a trusted guide can help the person give words to this longing in their heart toward connection to the Divine.
The second relatable stage is “Refusal of the Call” [6]. This is when the nudge to move beyond the familiar and typical for the adventure that the person feels in their soul. This is often expressed by the person who expresses the need for a change or to respond to a desire to enter ministry, yet refused to take action for some measure of time. This is an important aspect of the formation of the person as they consider the depth of their dissonance and reluctance to respond to the call.
The next critical stage is “Passing Through the Threshold” [7] and “The Belly of the Whale” [8]. This is the point of facing resistance as one steps into the call to adventure they feel. This is the point of the story where the hero gets “swallowed” up in this new threshold experience [9]. This is the point that may give up their spiritual pursuit. The resistance and overwhelm can be disorienting and discouraging. A person might share about watching a visiting a church for the first time and not understanding what was happening in the worship service or even reading the Bible while not understanding where to start. This is a critical stage to partner with those who are new on their spiritual journey.
The Hero’s Journey is an observation of how story forms life and gives meaning to how each person understands their story. This is the importance and power of the stories we tell, which is especially important for those who can help others understand their own spiritual journey. As Campbell argues, the culture no longer depends on these stories to give meaning to their life. It is up to the hero to find the meaning and purpose that transcends their everyday life [10].
[1] Joseph Campbell, The Hero with a Thousand Faces (1949; repr., Mumbai, India: Yogi Impressions, May, 2017), ixx.
[2] https://buildingastorybrand.com/customer-the-hero-in-marketing-material/
[3] Ibid., 23.
[4] Ibid., 6.
[5] Ibid., 41.
[6] Ibid., 48.
[7] Ibid., 49.
[8] Ibid., 64.
[9] Ibid., 74.
[10] Ibid.
[11] Ibid., 337.
About the Author
Chad McSwain
Chad is a systematic creative serving in pastoral ministry for nearly 20 years, Chad is a professional question-asker and white-board enthusiast, who enjoys helping people discover their own passions and purpose. A life-long learner, he has a B.A, Philosophy - Univ. Central Oklahoma, M.A Theology - Fuller Seminary, M.Div. Perkins School of Theology at SMU and is pursuing a Doctor of Leadership - George Fox University. He is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church, currently serving as Lead Pastor of Whitesboro UMC. Chad and his wife, Brandi live in Prosper, Texas along with their three children, two pugs and a chameleon.12 responses to “Articulating a Spiritual Journey”
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Chad, it is fascinating how you connected a hero’s journey with spiritual formation. What particularly stood out was the trials stage you highlight in one’s spiritual journey (passing through the first threshold, the belly of the whale, and being swallowed up). As a pastor, how do you walk with people in these steps of their journey? And when it comes to pastoring, do you find yourself more as the guide through the journey or the one calling people into adventure?
Great question. While I haven’t reflected on this in the terms offered by Campbell, I would now say, it depends on where the person is on their journey. If I sense that God is calling towards a new adventure, then I reflect back that call (perhaps even in times when they are refusing the call). Other times, I find that people are in the belly of the whale and become the guide who encourages to emerge and reenter the journey.
Hi Chad, great summary of Campbell’s stages of the Hero’s Journey. It is easy to see the hero in blockbuster movies such as Star Wars or Marvel, but where in your own life do you see the Hero’s Journey? Campbell talks about overcoming our own personal limitations (page 163). What limitations have you had to overcome in your own journey?
Good observation. I think that would be a book itself – that we could all write! Just a few of the limitations I have experienced are: being from lower class family, first of my family to go to college, being from Oklahoma (kidding…I think), feeling like I don’t being, imposter syndrome, etc. What is interesting is that I have loved the hero stories from a young age and they inspired me to push beyond my own limits. Once I became a Christian, my faith inspired me to live into the calling God has for me and now, I’m learning to delight in just being. It is all part of the journey.
Hi Chad, I enjoyed reading your post and the connection you made between the Hero’s Journey and our spiritual formation. I was especially drawn to your comment at the end, “This is the importance and power of the stories we tell, which is especially important for those who can help others understand their own spiritual journey.” I’m curious to know if, in helping others understand and navigate their spiritual journey, have you had an understanding of the phases of the hero’s journey similar to Campbell’s description? Or, was this a new idea that will now enhance your pastoral work with individuals and congregations?
Great question! I see hints of this in my work coaching those who are responding to a call to ministry. The first thing we have candidates do is write their call story. I would encourage some of these elements as a way to tell their story in a more compelling way, but this gives me a must more developed framework to offer.
Overall, this was a new idea as a way to understand everyone’s spiritual journey. In fact, I used it in my teaching for a Sunday school class today. I invited the class to reflect on where they think they are in the journey and bring the reflections back next week. I’m wondering if it will help people take ownership of their own spiritual journey.
Hi Chad, Thanks for your reply. Hoping you have some great conversations in your Sunday School class tomorrow!
Chad,
I enjoyed how you tied in a persons spiritual journey to Campbell’s hero journey. The focus on the beginning stages of any adventure are critical. In light of what you shared, what is most critical in assisting someone in the beginning of their spiritual journey?
My questions comes from:
“The Hero’s Journey is an observation of how story forms life and gives meaning to how each person understands their story. This is the importance and power of the stories we tell, which is especially important for those who can help others understand their own spiritual journey.”
It would be a privilege to hear how God called you to the adventure you are on! Maybe I can hear your story in Oxford! 🙂
Chad – Thank you for your insights combining spiritual formation with Campbell’s hero’s journey. As a pastor and spiritual guide, what are the most effective ways you’ve been able to help people when they hit that point in their journey where they get stuck and frustrated, wanting to quit?
What a great question. When I’m at my best, I invite people to start a new adventure. I think if a person is wanting to quit (faith or the church), they are stuck in the status quo. The life of faith doesn’t look too compelling when they are sitting on the sidelines of church or of life. But, it is up to the person to take the first steps on the journey. That is the most difficult part of being a guide.
Chad,
I have wondered about the role of a clearly defined “rite of passage” in the human journey. Through out history and cultures there are rites of passage that are very clear and anticipated. Campbells monomyth hinges on the journey through a rite of passage. I wonder what you think about the current culture in the United States and if there are significant rites of passage that allow for this human, hero, journey that Campbell outlines?
I loved your connection to visiting a church for the first time. I recently took my daughter to a Catholic Church to watch her friend and I felt lost! It’s amazing how you can know the core, but the details can discombobulate you.