10. On Myth and Violence
Myth Theorized - Robert A. Segal
Robert A. Segal [+]
University of Aberdeen
Sixth Century Chair in Religious Studies
University of Aberdeen
Description
In this section Segal argues that the theories of Frazer, René Girard, and Walter Burkert all make violence in religion natural rather than unnatural. Found in myth and ritual, violence for all three operates as part of the normal functioning of religion rather than only with the failing of religion, and can be beneficial rather than harmful.