Owning Our Heroism, Journeying Through… (Pahlawan)
Although “The Hero with a Thousand Faces” has had a substantial impact, and I recognize its significance for my assignment, I must admit that I did not find the book personally engaging. Campbell employed his own understanding for analyzing limited diverse cultural narratives, a perspective I struggled to fully comprehend. This does not mean that I am dismissing the value of Campbell’s work entirely.
I come from a family with Hindu and Buddhist influence. Hinduism and Buddhism have many similarities. I was raised by my grandmother with strong Hindu background. I clearly remember the stories about Prince Sidhartha Gautama (Buddha), when the serpent shelters him from the rain. Of lord Krishna, when he cried aloud, his mother saw the universe in his mouth – my grandmother told me these stories! I enjoyed these mystical stories. I grew up venerating deities such as Shiva, Sakti, Lingam, Murugan, and Kali. During my childhood, I faced significant health challenges, prompting my grandmother to make me an offering to the goddess Kali in exchange for my well-being. This aspect of my upbringing was marked by a life filled with bondage and trauma, shaped by a belief where sacrifice held paramount importance. The goddess Kali, in particular, is associated with blood sacrifice, leading to an annual ritual on my birthday where my grandmother and my parents would sacrifice a rooster to express gratitude for the protection, they believed Kali had granted me. While I respect the cultural context of my Hindu upbringing, I find Joseph Campbell’s work to be speculative than empirical. Therefore, the concept Shiva, Sakti, Lingam, Murugan, and Kali being projected to be universal ‘heroes’ is not glamorous to me. These deities (statures) are offered milk baths, animal sacrifice and several other rituals as a day of atonement by Hindu believers – a continuous craze for sacrifice. [1] Joseph claimed Kali as Shiva’s wife should be examined (p.237). The god Shiva’s first wife was Sakti and Parvati (reincarnation of Sakti) is/was his second wife.
Putting my personal feelings aside, I appreciate Campbell’s exploration referring to the richness of Hindu mythology through symbolism and mythical elements, suggesting that these stories convey universal themes and psychological truths. Emphasizing cultural universality, Campbell asserts that the hero’s journey reflects fundamental aspects of the human experience across different cultures. [2] Additionally, Campbell explains the spiritual and psychological insights within Hindu myths, emphasizing the hero’s journey as a profound transformation involving themes of transcendence and self-discovery. I could not stop wandering why Campbell did not include any female or Christian mystics. I wonder why he was so fascinated with deities.
As I continued to respond to this week’s assignment, I realized Campbell was showing his readers the strengths these heroes portrayed. Besides the need to complete my assignment and without dismissing Campbell’s contribution to symbolism and mythical elements, this book pushed me to see commonalities in the stories that cultures tell, emphasizing shared human experiences. Furthermore, I came to be aware that myths are not only cultural narratives but also symbolic representations of universal human experiences, struggles, and growth.
At the start of my post, I noted that I struggled to fully comprehend Campbell’s collection of mystical stories. However, I must also acknowledge that the theme of transformation deeply resonated with me – such as the hero’s transformative process is not only a physical or external change but also an internal and symbolic evolution. On the lighter note, this book carried me along to examine the stages of the hero who goes on an adventure, faces a crisis and wins, then returns victoriously.
[3] Campbell introduces the concept of the “monomyth” a term commonly referred to as “The Hero’s Journey.” I enjoyed watching the video, The Monomyth (The Hero’s Journey): An Introduction to the Framework of the Traditional Hero Adventure –[4] ‘Home – The Monomyth (The Hero’s Journey) – Subject Guides at Grand Valley State University (gvsu.edu).’ I liked the video because I grasped it, could relate to it, and found it to be a practical process that I can follow.
Finally, reflecting my own journey through monomyth concept: The call to follow Christ reached me in my teenage years, marking the beginning of my Christian journey. This initial phase was truly a painful adventure as I stepped out of my comfort zone, being a minority within my family. The support of fellow Christian converts, who had faced trials themselves, gave me hope that I was not alone. They organized transportation for me to attend weekly church service, facilitated my baptism, and celebrated the occasion. Despite harsh persecution from my family and separation from my grandmother, I confronted these challenges with Jesus by my side—remembering the powerful verse, [6]“though I walk through the valley of shadow death, I fear no evil.” It was undeniably a crisis, but in this crisis, I witnessed that nothing is impossible for God. The trials, crises, and loneliness I experienced only served to strengthen and empower me. I emerged from this period of hardship with a sense of resurrection and subsequently entered into ministry, my life guided by the Spirit. With newfound confidence in Christ, I am forever changed.
[1] Joseph Campbell, The Hero with a Thousand Faces 3 ed. (Princeton, Princeton University Press, 2020), 237.
[2] Joseph Campbell, The Hero with a Thousand Faces 3 ed. (Princeton, Princeton University Press, 2020).
[3] Joseph Campbell, The Hero with a Thousand Faces 3 ed. (Princeton, Princeton University Press, 2020), 300-301.
[4] Kristie Winslow, “The Monomyth (The Hero’s Journey): Home” Summer Library 2019, Grand Valley State University, December 9, 2022,
Video, https://youtu.be/Hhk4N9A0oCA?si=hQ5_ttlco3iuF06X
[5] Psalm 23:4.
About the Author
Shela Sullivan
Born and raised on the vibrant Penang Island in Malaysia, I cherish the Malaysian greeting, “Mari Makan!!” which reflects the warmth of shared meals. Since 1996, I have called Oregon my home enjoying the raindrops and the serenity of its beaches. The ocean connects me to nature and energizes me. I am a Wife - Mentor - Traveling Pastor - Sourcing Manager Construction. Favorite Bible Verse: "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." ~ Psalm 37:4~ I reside with my husband, David and our fur-baby Rolo. We share passions for travelling, culture, diverse cuisines, home improvements, classic cars and humor.17 responses to “Owning Our Heroism, Journeying Through… (Pahlawan)”
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Hi Shela, thank you for sharing parts of your testimony and story of coming to Christ. My Japanese mother is the only Christian in her family, and it led to 20 years of painful estrangement. They finally reconciled, shortly before my grandmother’s passing.
I pray that there will be healing and reconciliation.
I think you’re right that the myths “are not only cultural narratives but also symbolic representations of universal human experiences, struggles, and growth.” After reading Adam Cheney’s post, I’ve been contemplating how to help people relate to the gospel, knowing that all people see our brokenness and are longing for a hero to rescue us.
Thank you, Christy, for your feedback.
Oh, yes – God is good! My family has come to terms that this is my faith.
Shela, what a powerful personal story you have shared, one which gives context for the myths and stories Campbell writes about. It feels to me that you have certainly experienced your own version of the Hero’s Journey, one which – of course – is not yet complete. I pray for reconciliation between you and your estranged family members. Thank you for sharing this.
Hi Debbie, thank you for your feedback.
Yes, my family has come to terms that I am a Christian. Took a while but we have reconciled. God is good!
Shela,
Ahhhh… I see some parallels in your childhood to mine. My mother’s side was Buddhist, as many Koreans are still. Although it sounds like you enjoyed some very rich traditions which my mother, by the time she had married my Western father, had shunned (or at least we thought ;-)). I say that because, suddenly I walked into my parent’s bedroom to find a small Buddha sitting square-center on top of her dresser … with an offering!
And, then later, on my father’s death bed, I was telling him that I was reading more and more about Buddhism, to which the Mid-western Bible Belt-raised man said, “Don’t tell anyone but that’s the only religion that makes sense to me.” Wha ….? This was a shock to me because he spent every Christmas of my childhood telling us the story of Jesus.
You also mention “the commonalities in the stories that cultures tell, emphasizing shared human experiences” which made me yell out “YES!” And how much more we can learn from one another so that we stop the fighting and learn to embrace one another.
Thank you for sharing a little bit of your faith journey. You have always struck me as a very brave person and your faith journey doesn’t surprise me.
Question: do you recognize your own monomyth?
Hi Nancy,
Thank you for opening up about your family experience and for your kind words. It brings me joy to hear that your father entrusted you with his ‘secret’—that would have been quite surprising!
As for the concept of the monomyth, I can relate to it in my own journey. It feels like I am currently navigating the stages between Departure and Initiation. Being part of this program has granted me the space to explore and grow. Initially, I hesitated before answering the call, but eventually, I embraced the opportunity. Now, I find myself in an unfamiliar world, ready to embark on this transformative journey.
Wow Shela thank you so much for your honest and critical engagement with this text and the integration and sharing of your story. I appreciate deeply your critique of Campbell’s assessment of a culture that was not his own and it is a reminder of the importance of learning from and listening to people from different cultures before we make judgments and assumptions about their stories and experiences. Thank you so much for helping me understand more clearly and for your faithful witness to the transformative power of Jesus in your life!
Hi Ryan, thank you for your feedback.
I am grateful for the opportunity to engage with the text and share my own perspective.
I am touched by your acknowledgment of the transformative power of Jesus in my life. It is encouraging to know that my experiences can contribute to a broader understanding.
Hi Shela,
Thank you for sharing part of your Christian journey. I will pray for the restoration of relationships and for better understanding within your family.
So, taking your life lessons of sacrifice and Hindu and Buddhist influences on your life and family, if you were to have a coffee with Mr. Campbell and could say one thing to him about his book, what would it be?
Thank you for sharing your story.
Hi Chris, thank you for your feedback and the kind words regarding my Christian journey and family relationships. Over the years, my family has come to terms with my belief in Christ. God is good!
As for a hypothetical coffee conversation with Mr. Campbell, I would express the importance of recognizing the diversity of cultural experiences and perspectives, emphasizing the need for an inclusive and nuanced understanding when exploring the rich tapestry of different belief systems. His book lacked diversity! Secondly, I would want to know how many people he interviewed or dialogue with to capture real life experiences for his book. Thirdly, who was his main audience? Western readers?
Cheers!
Loved your answer Shela, thank you. I only have two words as a response:
Oh snap!!
Shela,
I loved reading this story and the intercultural ministry major in me has so many questions I look forward to learning from you and your journey to Christ. There is depth to the idea that an offering was made for you to Kali and then sacrifices were made on your behalf and Jesus was sacrificed for you once and for all. With your history of Hinduism, Buddahism, and Christianity, I wonder if you see any come hero threads?
Hi Adam,
I am glad that you enjoyed reading my post. I appreciate your enthusiasm for intercultural ministry. I often share my journey to Christ and engaging with my congregation in discussions about the intersections of various faith traditions.
Regarding the idea of offerings and sacrifices, you have opened my mind to explore the parallels between my experiences with Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity. I can indeed see some common threads, especially in the concept of sacrifice and its transformative power. In both Hindu and Christian contexts, the notion of offerings and sacrifices carries profound meaning but expressed differently – ultimately, Christ sacrificed His life for me, to set me free!
I would be happy to engage in a dialogue with you about how these themes have influenced my spiritual journey.
Shela, thanks so much for sharing. It always amazes me when people come to Christ later in life and/or when it goes against all they’ve known. I can only imagine how hard that was/ is and yet how it’s caused you to cling more tightly to God is a powerful thing. To be set free from a life offered up to a deity is no small feat!
I also really appreciated your insights on Campbell’s lack of cultural understanding regarding some of the stories he told.
Though the book wasn’t your favorite you said it pushed you to see commonalities in the stories that cultures tell and emphasized shared human experiences. How will this influence you moving forward as you think about your research?
Hi Akwése,
Thank you for your thoughtful response and encouragement. Indeed, my journey to Christ brought challenges to my life, but it has also deepened my connection with God in ways I never imagined. God’s word, ‘Though, I walk through the valley of shadow of death, I fear no evil, for God is with me’, gives me power and sustains me.
I am encouraged that you appreciate my take on Campbell’s cultural understanding, and I agree that recognizing and respecting diverse perspectives is crucial.
Regarding the impact of the book on my research, the emphasis on shared human experiences and commonalities in cultural stories has inspired me to approach my research with a more inclusive lens. My research is on emerging leaders (genZ). I plan to explore connections and universal themes, recognizing the richness of different narratives while highlighting the interconnectedness of our shared human experience in leadership.
Amen!
Thanks for expanding. Also, your research focus sounds brilliant and I can certainly see how this week’s reading would be a support. Can’t wait to hear and see what unfolds!
Shela, I appreciate the way you have reflected on the reading through your personal story. I am grateful for a perspective and experience so different from my own. Have you been able to comfort others from a similar background as they begin following Christ?