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KyleTarbet - welcome to Blogit and I could not agree more
We can only hope that we are on the precipice of a new enlightenment of human thought. Where irrational beliefs become more and more marginalized. Our species needs to ultimately shed many of the redundant religious constructs handed down to us from our primitive ancestors. Within the trend that in recent years has seen more people turning from organized religion in favor of a personal God, we are seeing the beginnings of this enlightenment.
That was quite a comment you left there, with many good points made and much to think about. It would make a good post and if you choose to post it in your blog, I will delete it for you . . . but only upon your request.
Again, welcome to Blogit.
posted by
gomedome
on July 21, 2009 at 6:31 AM
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sam444 - and that really is the point
How could it possibly matter which version of a holy book is used? When importance is placed on such things it completely obscures the underlying message and values of the religion.
posted by
gomedome
on July 21, 2009 at 6:12 AM
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Very nicely put. Living here in one of the remaining bastions of the American Bible Belt, evidence for your point surrounds me everyday. Like you, I've often found it staggering the lack of religious tolerance, even amongst varying denominations of the same faith.
Case in point: While both Baptists and Methodists share the fundamental tenets of Protestant Christianity, both sides are steadfast in their denominational beliefs, believing one to be superior to the other. Granted this pales in comparison to the larger religious/cultural feuds (Protestant Christian v. Roman Catholicism v. Judaism v. Islam, etc), but, to me anyway, its telling in its own right.
However, I do believe that we are now living in time that will see the death throes of modern fundamental religion. At least as the world has known as a socio-political power. Obviously, religion will never completely die away. There is a strong possibility that it might not even fade away. After all, it did survive the Enlightenment and the dawn of scientific thought. But religion is finding less relevance in the day to day lives of your average American citizen.
Science and technology have catapulted the American mind beyond the age-old question of existence and purpose. Globalization is a force that organized mass religion cannot compete with, Roman Catholicism being the best example I can think of. The Church of Rome faces an ardent uphill struggle to "modernize" itself in order to effectively spark any sort of "divine relevance" to not only non-believers but to its own flock. How it copes with this battle will be interesting to watch.
As you've pointed out, the sole purpose of organized religion for the masses, throughout history, has been control. (Save culturally spawned religion held not by the masses but by a specific cultural group, i.e. Judaism). But the yoke of fire and brimstone has been thrown off by many, and like anything given a breath of freedom, it cannot not be reapplied without force. And we've seen the horrors that forced religious fundamentalism breeds. It has, in essence, become its own worst enemy. There is no real temporal or secular power for religion to wield. Without the fear of everlasting damnation, there is nothing for religion to grasp onto.
I honestly believe that we may be on the precipice of a new Enlightenment in human thought. At least I hope so. I know that there are millions of religious people in this world that are not fundamentalist and who do respect each and every persons individual spiritual beliefs. I don't think you could have said that even sixty years ago. Religion and spirituality is becoming an individual affair, and as such, is different from person to person. As I believe it should be. Whether this is a good or bad thing is a philosophical debate for future generations, much the same way applied communism has become a political debate in our own day. The bottom line remains the same. You simply have to have faith in the human spirit.
posted by
KyleTarbet
on July 20, 2009 at 9:12 PM
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It probably will not change! In my own faith we have folks who will adhere to one version of the Bible, while another is used by the congregation as a whole and when a passage is read, the looks can circle in a heartbeat if it is not the esteemed copy! If (I had to, sorry) more would practice love for one another, the copy would not matter for it is all about God! I see your point, there may never be a meeting of the minds for everyone wants it their way as opposed to what it teaches! For me spirituality is a personal journey and I cannot change nor would ever seek to change anyone so I would welcome all faiths and bibles! sam
posted by
sam444
on July 20, 2009 at 12:39 AM
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