An Analysis of Myth, Religion and Christianity in Ernst Cassirer's Philosophy of Symbolic Forms

Abstract

The aim of this article is to present an analysis of myth, religion and Christianity in Ernst Cassirer's philosophy of symbolic forms. The originality of this philosophical approach to the cited categories lies in the use of analysis of the respective thought forms as the point of departure, and in the endeavour to determine the grammar of the symbolic function within them. Therefore, in order to facilitate a well-rounded discussion, the first section of the article gives a brief survey of myth analysis. The second section deals with the problem of religion in Cassirer's thought and is complemented by an analysis of the relationship between religion and language, and between religion and mysticism. The third section discusses Cassirer's critique of Christianity which is based on fundamental postulates ensuing from the analysis of myth and religion in general. The conclusion of the article puts forth issues which may incite serious examination of theological epistemology.