“With ancient roots, the values of Western civilization live on in our myths and legends. From the Greek philosophers to the Medieval chivalric code, our heritage promulgates a standard for atonement—spirituality and seeking the divine often being central to that.”
The stories, myths, and legends of the Western world are helping ex-military personnel grapple with and heal from trauma and stress. What if, though, your children are reading these stories and grappling with the questions they raise before they face the challenges and adversity of life? What if you give them this foundation and compass, already in place, so they can not only prevail, but can be a source of encouragement and hope to those who are struggling with the internal and external challenges that will come? This is what classical Christian education does, and the data shows that CCE students, face life’s challenges with hope, positivity, courage, and resilience, more than any other type of education. Read the article below to learn more about the power of Western stories, myths, and legends to heal, bring hope, build fortitude, and redeem heroes.
By
Young soldiers in ancient Greece once tackled issues such as those facing men today through myths, according to Prof. Lawrence Alison, who works to help former military and law enforcement confront post-traumatic stress.
“The idea was that through storytelling, myths, and legends, and so on, we could gain some insight into and help discussions about difficult topics,” he said while introducing his retelling of the “The Labors of Heracles.” Such myths could increase our “insight about value systems, beliefs, and ways that [we] think . . .”
Tyrants do exist—there’s no doubt about that. As with Heracles, tyranny exists inside us all. The question for men becomes: can we face our “dark side,” as Alison puts it, our “inflicting suffering on other people,” and reveal traits that are both masculine and admirable? Traits guided by reason and aimed at helping others?
With ancient roots, the values of Western civilization live on in our myths and legends. From the Greek philosophers to the Medieval chivalric code, our heritage promulgates a standard for atonement—spirituality and seeking the divine often being central to that.
So, embrace your traditions, perform your own labors, and redeem your most admirable masculinity!
Read the full article below
Legendary Hercules and His 12 Labors Redeemed a Hero, Totally Destroys ‘Toxic Masculinity’
