Re: I debated using the word "mythologies."

Posted by Michaelson from em12-686.utsi.edu on October 21, 1999 at 10:08:18:

In Reply to: I debated using the word "mythologies." posted by ROB T. on October 20, 1999 at 21:52:41:

: I used the word mythologies instead of religions because I'm a Christian and didn't want to give too much credence to Mola Ram's cult or to the Grail legend.
: Of course the Grail is part of Christianity but when we get to speaking of it having magical powers then you get into Arthurian legend and that's where the mythology comes in. Unlike the Ark where the Bible does speak of it as having mystical powers. The Grail, as far as I know, is just a cup.
: You're right that Christians often seem to forget that Jesus was a Jew and that his coming is part of Jewish prophecy (ironically, I was thinking about that last night when I saw "Ben Hur")
: The point I wanted to make was that Indy would have to be foolish to have seen what he has seen and not have some sort of spiritual awakening because of it. But I think his path would still be conflicted.
: I agree that the Grail and the Ark are connected as religious icons but the separation comes when the Grail performs magic. This makes it part of Arthurian legend and gives credence to things like Excalibur and Merlin and such and seperates it from Judeo-Christian religion.
: So does Indy embrace the Arthurian legend (like his father seems to) or does he become a Jew or Christian. I think we can all agree he doesn't become a Thuggee. Or maybe Indy would choose some other path like Bhuddism or some other Eastern religion.
: His experiences would have to have changed him in some way.

Possibily not, as even Donovan asks Indy in Last Crusade "It's time to ask yourself, what do YOU believe?" After seeing so many different and strange occurances that speak of power beyond human comprehension over his lifetime, Indy, as a scientist, knew that science dictated observation and correct reporting of that occurance, and not taking a stand supporting or denying the same occurance. In that observation, a scientist would not pidgenhole the occurance as either Christian, or Thug, as in the example of Temple of Doom, and would not dismiss his observation simply because it did not align itself with a particular known belief. Indy even states in Temple of Doom that as a scientist he could not prejudice his findings AS a scientist. Preconcieved notions would total destroy the ongoing "experiment". As Donovan pointed out, it was time to take a stand, one way or another, on SOMETHING. More than likely later in life, as Indy became more mature and unable to go into the field, he would have time to dwell more on these items, but if he had taken any particular stand as to beliefs, he would not and could not have functioned as he did in the stories we find him in. I'm not saying that there are no successful archaeological groups that specialize in a specific belief that are unsuccessful scientific work. On the contrary, there are huge projects ongoing in the mid-east that contridict that claim. But speaking specifically about Indiana Jones, he could NOT fall into any particular camp and be able to function in the manner that he does. And now, I'll climb down off my soap box and take my opinion else where. (grins) Regards. Michaelson

Follow Ups:

I think you're right... ROB T. 21:47:30 10/21/99 (1)
- Re: I think you're right... Michaelson 08:00:35 10/22/99 (0)

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: : I used the word mythologies instead of religions because I'm a Christian and didn't want to give too much credence to Mola Ram's cult or to the Grail legend. 
: : Of course the Grail is part of Christianity but when we get to speaking of it having magical powers then you get into Arthurian legend and that's where the mythology comes in. Unlike the Ark where the Bible does speak of it as having mystical powers. The Grail, as far as I know, is just a cup.
: : You're right that Christians often seem to forget that Jesus was a Jew and that his coming is part of Jewish prophecy (ironically, I was thinking about that last night when I saw "Ben Hur")
: : The point I wanted to make was that Indy would have to be foolish to have seen what he has seen and not have some sort of spiritual awakening because of it. But I think his path would still be conflicted.
: : I agree that the Grail and the Ark are connected as religious icons but the separation comes when the Grail performs magic. This makes it part of Arthurian legend and gives credence to things like Excalibur and Merlin and such and seperates it from Judeo-Christian religion.
: : So does Indy embrace the Arthurian legend (like his father seems to) or does he become a Jew or Christian. I think we can all agree he doesn't become a Thuggee. Or maybe Indy would choose some other path like Bhuddism or some other Eastern religion.
: : His experiences would have to have changed him in some way.

: Possibily not, as even Donovan asks Indy in Last Crusade "It's time to ask yourself, what do YOU believe?" After seeing so many different and strange occurances that speak of power beyond human comprehension over his lifetime, Indy, as a scientist, knew that science dictated observation and correct reporting of that occurance, and not taking a stand supporting or denying the same occurance. In that observation, a scientist would not pidgenhole the occurance as either Christian, or Thug, as in the example of Temple of Doom,  and would not dismiss his observation simply because it did not align itself with a particular known belief. Indy even states in Temple of Doom that as a scientist he could not prejudice his findings AS a scientist. Preconcieved notions would total destroy the ongoing "experiment". As Donovan pointed out, it was time to take a stand, one way or another, on SOMETHING. More than likely later in life, as Indy became more mature and unable to go into the field, he would have time to dwell more on these items, but if he had taken any particular stand as to beliefs, he would not and could not have functioned as he did in the stories we find him in. I'm not saying that there are no successful archaeological groups that specialize in a specific belief that are unsuccessful scientific work. On the contrary, there are huge projects ongoing in the mid-east that contridict that claim. But speaking specifically about Indiana Jones, he could NOT fall into any particular camp and be able to function in the manner that he does. And now, I'll climb down off my soap box and take my opinion else where. (grins) Regards. Michaelson

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