A search for monsters

A search for monsters

Over the course of the last year I have helped Dr. Hart, a professor at CNU, with his book Thinking Scientifically in a World Full of Nonsense. In his book Dr. Hart explores varying myths and why people believe them. Though I have always found this fascinating from a psychological perspective. Recently, I have started thinking about the meanings behind these myths and how closely they align with pilgrimages.

For example, the search for the loch ness monster. Though the only evidence for this monster is a poor photograph which has already been disproven, there are many who endeavor to find it. Some have even dedicated their lives to this quest. From a certain lens, is this not just a pilgrimage repackaged? The path out is rather long and allows deliberation. How different is visiting Loch Ness from visiting another pilgrimage site? I doubt Nessie holds any religious significance yet people still dedicate themselves to the quest. And isn't every journey that requires a communion with nature in some sense spiritual?

The same logic applies to those who search for Bigfoot. How different is searching for Bigfoot from a meditative walk? Are people not applying some personal symbolic significance to these mythical beasts?


I cannot say that I would consider peoples believes in these monsters to be religious but I do wonder about the weight these creatures hold. 

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