Uploaded August 2022 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
If we understand meaning as embodied, archetypes as inspiring meaning, and meaning as distinct from belief, a much more helpful understanding of religion is made possible. Religion is most helpfully seen not as essentially based on belief, but as a living system with many dimensions that span through time and thus form traditions. Those traditions have the distinctive function of providing cultural resources for archetypal inspiration.
In this talk, which is part 4 of a series on Archetypes and the Middle Way given online for the Middle Way Network, Robert M Ellis argues for this approach to religion as a helpful aspect of practice that works with our religious heritage. He develops themes that are developed in more detail in his recent book 'Archetypes in Religion and Beyond'. The talk is followed by questions and by the introduction of a practice focus.
If we understand meaning as embodied, archetypes as inspiring meaning, and meaning as distinct from belief, a much more helpful understanding of religion is made possible. Religion is most helpfully seen not as essentially based on belief, but as a living system with many dimensions that span through time and thus form traditions. Those traditions have the distinctive function of providing cultural resources for archetypal inspiration.
In this talk, which is part 4 of a series on Archetypes and the Middle Way given online for the Middle Way Network, Robert M Ellis argues for this approach to religion as a helpful aspect of practice that works with our religious heritage. He develops themes that are developed in more detail in his recent book 'Archetypes in Religion and Beyond'. The talk is followed by questions and by the introduction of a practice focus.
