Western religion states basically that God created each individual that lives now, has ever lived, or will ever live. He created us in order to test us so that we might dwell with him someday. We attribute miracles to him and the way in which the world itself is ordered. Every western religion has a variation on this idea; some like Evangelical churches believe that in order to be saved every individual must take an oath to Jesus that HE is the Lord and Saviour. Mormonism (I apologize to some of the LDS folks out there, but Mormonism is such a easier word to type) believes that we all have the potential for salvation, but there are many degrees of salvation and some will be higher than others. They also believe that it is as important to do good acts than to simply swear a pledge to Jesus. (Mormonism also believes in alot of stuff that upsets many 'traditional' christians, but we won't talk about that here). Catholicism believes in two things whole heartedly: the mystery of the trinity, and the immaculate conception of Mother Mary. There are a few variants on Catholism that remove or change some of the root beliefs. My personal favorite on the many variations of Christianity is Gnosticism. This is a view that takes many eastern ideas and combines them with many of the teachings of Jesus. (And if you happen to believe Jesus went to India during his 13 year absence from the Bible... hey... why not).
This is of course only one of 100's of angles you can take, and none of these angles have stayed consistent. It all comes down to the question of "Why are we here?" quite honestly. The beliefs evolve, and change. These beliefs pick up social mores and cultural attitudes when they are introduced to new cultures. Why do you think the idea of a Mother Mary is so popular in Catholicism? One answer, and I can't claim that is the correct one, is that it was introduced initicially into areas that worshiped the idea of a Mother Goddess. The idea carried over and was transferred to Catholicism. Is this possible... yes I think it is... is my explaination a bit glib... completely.
I hope I don't offend anyone... just want all of you to think, not change your faiths or argue the bible or religion. I myself am a cynic. I am some one who believes that we can find no true answers to our questions, because something will always be slightly beyond our reasoning. I feel personally it all comes back to the question: "Why are we here?" There are answers that are very appealing to people. Religion is a societal structure created in order to give order to the beliefs. It moves beyond the question. It solidifies the answer. It serves as an outlet for those who share the same beliefs. It provides structure. As humans are social creatures we need that structure. It is what makes us human. Whether or not you believe in God, or profess a religious angle, there is one fact that seems relevant: The idea of God has been one of the most significant ideas of humanity. I'm not saying that mankind invented God. I'm saying that the very idea is what moved society along. Even if you don't believe in God, you have to argue against the idea of him. The idea is relevant in western society, and will continue to be relevant.
You can agree or disagree any way you like. It still comes down to one question.
posted by F.G. Shaw @ 2:37 AM
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