I have to agree. Despite my own mind-blowing experience in 1983-84, blind faith, particularly when placed in the hands of hateful doctrines, has always been a mystery of superstition to me. At what price are we willing to sacrifice dignity (think: gender & racial politics) for the sake of a comforting thought? This recent Salon article explores how levels of ignorance directly correlate to religious belief. However, if religions were held to the same scrutiny as science, the irony is that we might actually learn something from them. Amidst all the hatred, there is wisdom there, even if its merely to learn from our own mistakes. So, heres what I believe: whether youre religious, agnostic or atheist, be mindful. Be thoughtful. Be compassionate. Be charitable. Be patient. But above all, be skeptical of taking anything at face value. Religious faith, after all, is only a second hand enlightenment. Scripture is especially susceptible to the pitfalls of Logos, and the underpriviliged and uneducated are particularly vulnerable. In fact, history shows that thats been a key to the wild success of religion in the past (think: Middle Ages and the lack of education at that time in particular). Theres more to this miraculous world than any sacred text could ever impart, regardless of how enlightened or ancient or divinely delivered it might appear. In the end, it takes a very brave, very determined, very exhaustive, and ultimately, very profound search to bear Absolute Truth out, regardless of whether it comes in the form of scientific discovery or spiritual enlightenment. My own experience tells me the two are in fact interchangeable (i.e.: science has no shortage of miracles, while the sub-atomic is alive with a blazing and all pervasive consciousness). And yet, dont expect to learn about Truth through anothers lens, whether mine, the New Testaments, a political leaders... or whatever. We all need to do our own due diligence on this one. Even the mystic sages, from Jesus to Buddha to Rumi to Lao Tze, admit and promote this unavoidable fact. In the end, you cant borrow someone elses idea of spirtuality any more than you can borrow someone elses experience of death. This is one road we all have to go alone. And so, all the more reason to up the ante on education and critical thought, particularly as it pertains to religion. Remaining ignorant only deprives us of the tools of personal enlightenment and human advancement, in whatever way that eventually unfolds. Thanks for reading. My bank account reminds me that writing continues to be a thankless art, so I do so appreciate the favor of your time and attention, as always. Love and happy holidays to all, however you happen to celebrate them.
Posted on: Tue, 23 Dec 2014 16:46:18 +0000
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