|
Religion,
in spite of much of
what is said elswhere on this website, is not something we can simply
dismiss. The question is, what attitude can we take to it that makes
sense and keeps bullshit at bay? Sometimes it seems that theological language is being
used to over-ride or belittle people's valid aspiration for a happier
and safer life here and now, also for a harmonious society and a
sustainable environment. Such a line may seem like bullshit to the
growing number of people who no longer believe the core myths of traditional
religions and are confident that they can still live a good life with
consideration for others. |
| It has to be recognized that religion can offer a means of comfort to people in distress, and a
justification of morality (to those who have yet to realize that
consideration for others is a much better line to take than simple "me
first"). |
| But it may be that our traditional religions are doomed to decline in
the long term, because a) their core myths are losing relevance; b) they
are unable to evolve because they are tied to "once off revelation"
through historical books and prophets; and c) they carry undesirable
'baggage' - like intolerance of different views, belief in a "Mr Fixit"
god, inhuman punishments including death for apostasy, and belief that a
church leader can be 'infallible'. |
| There have long been signs that many people are seeking - and finding
- religion substitutes. Marxist-Leninist communism is an example. Several types of
'activism' also seem like alternative religions, like the peace movement, or
environmental groups; there is growing interest in what has been called
'religious naturalism'. Follow this link (when available) for a fuller list. The default
alternative has for centuries been materialism/consumerism with its gods
of 'the market' and 'one-upmanship'. Many people prefer to just opt out, and be satisfied with being
a zombie follower of social media, celebrities, fashion and fiction. |
| The literal meaning of Religion is "a binding" to society. For a
society to be coherent, it needs a set of common 'memes' that its members
can subscribe to and feel they share with others in that society. |
| Some concerned people - see the links in my
wide-screen page - have tried to
propose a way forward, particularly in Christianity and Islam. But they
get little support from their religion's leaders, and criticism bordering
on hate from fundamentalist elements. But it is questionable whether an
assortment of substitute religions, or even de-mythologised updates of
the traditional religions, can provide enough binding power to keep our
societies together |
| Religious language can seem like bullshit to many people these days.
But it may be a case of its speakers and writers being stuck in the
particular language game of their religious persuasion and not
recognizing that their listeners and readers may not connect with their
ontologies - or their time-honoured phrases. |
| For a fuller, wide-screen discussion on the role of Religion,
follow
this link. |
