Old as time is the statement "There are no atheists in a foxhole.” Left unsaid, but obvious, is an ending - “under fire”. Human beings are rather arrogant in their turn on/turn off faith, belief in a God, by whatever assigned appellation, or organized religion. However, are all of these terms basically synonymous or are there important differences? Might one navigate easily amongst those terms or not? Can one pick and choose without concern, able to meld and mold as desired? Or must one adhere to a specific choice and be limited in scope and ability, forced, of necessity to follow rigid outlines and demands?
These questions began with and when the first man was joined by more. Their ideas, visions, loyalties, and manners or worship, to different gods, varying in number from one to many, and even in their appearance became, or evolved, into fractures within a heretofore united group. Points of contention grew and intensified. Many wars were fought to 'prove' their god(s) was the better, the stronger, the more frightening, of better appearance. Whatever could be contested could and would spark a war. Clever humans hedged their bets and paid homage to many gods, figuring "what the hey - better be safe than sorry".
The more uncertain people became, growing ever more confused and wary that perhaps they were worshipping a false god, the more they strutted their stuff, inflated their egos and fought violently, their cruelty to 'non-believers' overtopping that of the beasts of the field. Cruelty towards those who differed in thought or belief, in any change whatsoever, were termed heretics, traitors, blasphemers, were tortured and put to death in most unthinkably cruel executions. All in the name of God. Of course.
Condensing all the wars and changes to the world and civilization via religion we arrive at today. Not much has changed other than perhaps for the worse. Wars continue to be fought in the name of a God. Hate continues to be justified due to rivalry among adherents of various gods. Manner of worship and credos of religions are criticized and demeaned. Accusations are hurled back and forth until the pressure of the tension grows too high and explodes. And well, here we are today. Still fighting. Still claiming superiority of a proprietary God. Vicious bitter warfare and hatred, even among members of the same religion though varying somewhat, somehow, a sect within, are deemed worthy and deserving of being targeted for death as heretics.
Glaring in its absence are voices raised in opposition. Yes, there are some, but too few, too weak to make much of a difference. Hence, no serious attention is paid to challenging questions raised, nor are any relevant answers forthcoming. Only louder, ever more strident voices, forcing the world to believe in their god, oh so much better than yours. Our god loves us more than your god loves you and let's go to war to prove that. Nor should we fall for the platitudes and hot air from those who speak the words but don't mesh with supportive deeds.
All the while the class of the 'holy' tier grows richer, more powerful, more cutting, and they accrue power and wealth and too often flout the very tenets of their religion, in an arrogance enabled by a society confused and demoralized. Voices of those who call for relationships of positive nature are drowned out by those who shake their weapons ever louder, in ever widening circles of influence. Woe upon a challenger of the accepted.
Humans continued to hedge their bets. It goes something like this. "Well, I'm not really sure whether there is a god of some kind or some power but just in case, I'll do ---------- (fill in the blank). Kind of like using a belt and suspenders, ensuring that one will not be caught with one's figurative pants down. But what is belief What is faith? What is religion? From whence comes the regulations of these religions - and there are many. Do the differences between and within religions inevitably lead to animosity evolving into warfare in the name of one religion, one God or another.
How do we approach and understand differences within the crowded forest of religions and beliefs and faiths. Why do they exist and are they meaningful, bottom line? Does it really matter? Is it an unachievable goal of hope that one day we can all respect each other, accept the differences and stress the similarities? Honor and respect the glory of the gift of life and planet rather than destroy it?
Is there any wonder at the power and the longevity of this topic? It can be and is life changing with the direction of that change of utmost importance. It is necessary though difficult and challenging, reaching into the crux of our being.
Join me on Sunday and 'think about it". I am thinking much about it as it all begins to coalesce and find words of definition and clarity, though possible demanding even more.
No comments:
Post a Comment