One problem I have with your argument about religion is if your smart enough to look, almost all the major religions and minor, stem from ancient religions. Christmas isnt Baby Jesus's B-Day, its the winter solstice. In the end most religions core values are very similar, their stories down right eerily similar. Its just they've changed them up little by little to aid their political needs.
And there's the rub. Whatever message might have been handed down by whoever, it certainly was revised over time. At this point, who's to say what is the word of god and what has been revised by humans (for better or worse?). So now, since we can't know, and we can't question, anyone can claim the divine right of anything and be, as far as I can tell, equally correct. If we did ever have the writ of god, it was torn asunder millennia ago.
Clearly, then, faith claims of divine inspiration and
exclusive truth status are highly problematic from a philosophical standpoint. And taking these faith claims as "hammers" to assault nonbelievers, infidels, science, etc. would be wrong. Imho, faith claims do not "travel" well; again, I'm trying to demarcate the areas where faith is a valid method and where it is not.
Catholicism itself claims the Anti-Christ will appear to be exactly like Jesus until he starts doing something that's evil (conveniently not clearly defined). So really, anyone who challenges the status quo of the institution can be labeled as the literal devil incarnate and crucified. Far too convenient, it seems to me, to have a mechanism in your religion that allows for absolute, unquestionable power to be maintaining by a single group for the rest of time.
I don't believe this is an accurate representation of Catholic belief; however, it's very possible that some Catholics do believe this. The whole Antichrist/Book of Revelations/End Times matter doesn't rise to the level of Church doctrine, AFAIK. We are simply instructed to "live each day as if it might be our last" for "no man knows the hour of His coming". But I'm just a layman; the authoritative source would be the "Catechism Of The Catholic Church".
In my mind, I do believe that there is only ONE GOD, and its just worshipped in a multitude of ways. Wilshire, we've had a few talks about how we both hate that probably more bad then good comes from religion, its just fact.
I think that's great, really I do. And, in fact, many major religions splinted off due to one group believing in a latter prophet. Jesus splintering Christianity from Judaism. Muhammad splintering further into Islam (I think?). It does seem to make sense that the hundred that are worshiped are all portions of the Absolute.
If everyone could agree that 'we' (humans) are all worshiping the same entity, that might be helpful. Even more so if we could agree on what he/she/they/it says. But there are so many rules, so many dogmas. So many people who believe so fervently that they'd kill, or themselves die, rather than question or be questioned, that I don't see how humanity can continue to exist along this path.
I find it heartening that Christianity as a worldly political power is a thing of the past. Even the violent post-Reformation conflicts between Protestants and Catholics have ended; perhaps the "Troubles" in Ireland are even over.
Every Good Friday, the Catholic liturgy includes prayers for Christian unity. The collegial, respectful attitude that you foster here at the TSA Forum is an example of what all Christians, indeed, all people should strive for.
I am very interested in what BFK/Bolivar/others who seem to have a deep relationship with religion feel about that. Again, I'm not trying to persuade anyone of anything, just seeking opinions from those who think differently than me. I'd not otherwise speak frankly with anyone of one faith or another, so I find this conversation of particular interest.
This is marvelous, Wilshire, and I am happy to share ideas and beliefs with you. I, too, am interested in what you and others believe and in what you and others make of my beliefs.
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