The Hero’s Journey

Calls, thresholds, allies, enemies, tests, sacrifice, resurrection—mythic structure shared themes and even language with Scripture. Biblical and faith stories were often frustratingly short on details, as I experienced and observed them. Mythic structure filled in some blanks with insight on how I could reframe my faith in a larger context. I connected dots through movies Vogler cited as examples. My imagination was fired, my intellect engaged. Paul’s words to the Ephesians echoed in my spirit: “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened . . .” (Ephesians 1:18) My eyes were open wide in wonder.

He conforms those he calls to the image of his Son. The infinite variations of mythic structure then express in our unique stories, each one reflecting our character and personality.

Could the Hero’s Journey be used in ministry? Most of my friends and connections were in the arts. Christian jargon didn’t suit France’s secular humanistic society, least of all in its arts community. Could the Hero’s Journey translate the faith journey for them? Could it help in spiritual formation, the making of a disciple?

I never finished the story I started in that online course because I never stopped working on the above questions. A new Hero’s Journey began for me as I set off to test some theories.

I learned to frame spiritual truths in mythic structure language. Its fresh metaphors and vocabulary—the universal language of storytelling[1]—satisfied the keen French intellect. YouTube clips could speak volumes to the heart, illustrating biblical principles quickly and imaginatively. Building a theological framework took time. Mythic structure supplied an effective shortcut.

An invitation to see a movie, with coffee afterward, proved more amenable to spiritual conversation than an invitation to a Bible study. I could defuse disdain for religion with stories from Star Wars or Lord of the Rings. Stories, like Jesus’ parables, became essential components of my ministry.

Now let’s talk archetypes. . .

[1] The Writer’s Journey, 2nd Ed., Christopher Vogler, Michael Wiese Productions, CA, 1998, 29