"God is a metaphor for that which transcends all levels of intellectual thought. It's as simple as that"

In this quote, Joseph Campbell, renowned for his work in comparative mythology and religion, is using a viewpoint on the idea of "God" that diverges from conventional, doctrinal definitions. By referring to God as a "metaphor," Campbell recommends that God is an allegorical representation designed to express and encapsulate ideas that go beyond ordinary understanding and intellectual capabilities. This implies that the concept of God acts as a symbolic personification of the mysteries and complexities of presence that are beyond the reach of human cognition and traditional thinking.

The expression "goes beyond all levels of intellectual idea" highlights the concept that there are dimensions of truth or states of being that can not be totally comprehended through logical analysis or scientific questions alone. In this view, God is not restricted to any one religious analysis or representation but represents a universal principle or essence that connects diverse aspects of human experience. It highlights a mystical or spiritual understanding, suggesting that God is a way to conceive the supreme reality or source of all that exists-- a reality that is basically inexpressible and incomprehensible.

By saying, "It's as basic as that," Campbell might be mentioning the simplicity of this profound insight. Rather than becoming entangled in sophisticated doctrinal disputes or dogmas, one might acknowledge the idea of God as an effort to communicate the superb and the infinite in a way accessible to human awareness. This perspective encourages a view of spirituality that is open, inclusive, and focused more on personal and experiential understanding rather than rigid doctrines or actual interpretations.

Ultimately, Campbell's statement fosters a vision of spirituality where the symbolic nature of God acts as a bridge to deeper consciousness and awareness, directing individuals toward a more extensive connection with deep space and their place within it. This analysis challenges individuals to accept a more comprehensive, more inclusive understanding of the divine, one that honors the secrets beyond intellectual constraints.