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Trish
SFN Addict
USA
2102 Posts |
 Posted - 03/18/2002 : 09:19:03 [Permalink]
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Hmm, perhaps I should say animism? I just don't think that all religions place classes on individuals, yes, class distinction is readily apparent with specifically monotheistic religions. But once you get east of Saudia - I don't know diddly.
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...no one has ever found a 4.5 billion year old stone artifact (at the right geological stratum) with the words "Made by God."
No Sense of Obligation by Matt Young |
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Slater
SFN Regular
USA
1668 Posts |
Posted - 03/19/2002 : 10:16:47 [Permalink]
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quote:
Hmm, perhaps I should say animism? I just don't think that all religions place classes on individuals
From what I've seen (and you know that mythology is a hobby of mine) that is one of the primary functions of religion. The establishment of a person (in animism a shaman) in a position of authority over the believers--thereby creating two classes. It is truely the only reason for religion in any form to exist, personal power.
Since personal power through religion can come about without physical force but with only psychological manipulation we tend to see only the bells and whistles. But cast a worldly eye on any religion and you will find that, while the gods and devils are only stories, the bank accounts are very real indeed.
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It will sometimes be necessary to use falsehood for the benefit of those who need such a mode of treatment.
----Eusebius of Nicomedia,
[i]The Preparation of the Gospel[/i] |
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Trish
SFN Addict
USA
2102 Posts |
Posted - 03/19/2002 : 10:48:08 [Permalink]
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I'll bow out to your greater knowledge base and research into the subject Slater.
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...no one has ever found a 4.5 billion year old stone artifact (at the right geological stratum) with the words "Made by God."
No Sense of Obligation by Matt Young |
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Omega
Skeptic Friend
Denmark
164 Posts |
Posted - 03/21/2002 : 19:52:10 [Permalink]
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According to some historians classes and religions appeared at the same time. When humans settled in villages, certain people were taken out of food-production to keep track of the grain and make sure there were enough for sow-seed the following year.
Since the grain-storage became so important to a village, as its source of food, they became almost magical, mysterious and religions were born. The store-keepers turned into priests, who'd lead ceremonies at important times such as planting, harvest and so on.
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
-Albert Einstein |
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ronnywhite
SFN Regular
501 Posts |
Posted - 03/22/2002 : 23:59:28 [Permalink]
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Interesting points, especially those concerning (1) the status hierarchy, and (2) the goal (or purpose) being the gain of personal power. It's a hard question to answer, since it involves some things that are tough to define and measure, and since it's impossible to be objective, I almost hate to guess. But to be honest, I don't think there's much difference between any of these groups, in the big picture. I think in each group, regard for freedom, just like regard for other people, runs the whole spectrum. What I'd guess accounts for that is… among the spiritual crowd, (lip-service and ritual aside,) I think it's such a small minority that gives any indication- that they actually believe any of it- when you study their behaviors and actions, that it becomes of small significance which group they (claim to) fall into. Referring to the congregation, not the leaders, who have different agendas and probably have less regard for (both) other people AND personal freedom (except their own) than their followers, in general… regarding 1 and 2 above, (1) for most it's mainly a social club, and (2) having a comforting fantasy to lean on can be useful. Paradoxically, across the board, the small minority who indicates through actions that they really believe all the lip-service and lore are often considered "crazies" and "extremists" by the vast majority of the members, and even by their leaders.
Ron White |
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transsexual
New Member
6 Posts |
Posted - 03/25/2002 : 14:21:34 [Permalink]
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[purple][/purple][font=Verdana][/font=Verdana]Sadly, most religions teach discrimination. Think about it? That's why 1 got my vote.
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