Does religion begin in mysticism & end in politics?

Question

I term myself as spiritual and not religious for a reason. The reason being that no one religion expresses the truth without some error. The error may simply be the context of history has changed, but nevertheless it has been forgotten that in root religion was a product of an initial individual inspiration. This sprout of inspiration at some point became intellectualized, codified & eventually the initial inspiration transforms itself into an institution subject to the trapping of power, corruption and legalism. It seems that most great religions had figures that were controversial at the time, doing and saying things against the conventional norms of the religions of the times. If we ourselves are open to the daily potential of mystical experience we should then be prepared to discover conclusions that also go against certain established religious norms.

Answer 1

we do not need religion only to love God and each other but I still am happy I know yeshua as my saviour

Answer 2

It would seem that all phases of human life when they become institutionalized are subject to being politicized. My personal spiritual beliefs may be compatible with several religions' rules or principals, but when they diverge I consider it a personal choice - an expression of my individual "internal" spirit. The group benefits of organized religion can often provide a sense of stability and certainty to the direction of one's life but should not overshadow that inner sense of personal spirituality. Whether a mystical experience is the means is also potentially open to debate and possibly political. I believe that if a person finds a path that brings both a sense of peace and also satisfaction and acceptance of responsibility from the results of one's actions then stick to that path.

Answer 3

The basic history of all ancient religions is this:

- usage of the position of the sun at sunrise within the background star clusters as a calendar

- making up pictures and stories to help remember the star patterns for the various seasons

- the anthropomorphization of those stories into mystical heavenly beings

- the invention of other methods of keeping track of days makes the astronomical calendar obsolete; people forget what the anthropomorphicized beings were all about and start taking them as actual beings. Now we have polytheism

- from polytheism, some project their society onto the society of gods and come up with a king of gods. The king of gods eventually becomes THE god of monotheism, with the other gods being relegated to angels and demons

- In other places, polytheism evolves to pure mysticism

Answer 4

The idea of Government as God predates the current religious mode. The so called "living gods" of ancient Egypt and Rome were successful because the average person could not grasp the idea of governing an empire without some divine inspirations. When the concept of monotheism came it brought with it the idea of a "dead and/or distant" god which was alien to the minds of those who tried to deal with it. How do you appeal to a faceless, nameless god?
You should also note that most right wing/fundamentalist political strategies embrace religion being incorporated by religion. Linking god to politics appeals to us on a racial level because it gives us an intercessory (the politician) for god.

Answer 5

The Bible is the best book to study. There are flaws in all religious teaching, especially after the wrong people were able to get control of the dais. I pay attention to what God and Jesus said and did. Usually God answers my prayers very quickly. I read (past tense) the Koran as well. If you go to the source of what the religion is, it is easier to see the flaws of an unstudied pastor, priest or religious leader. I have seen nonsense spewed on many occasions. Keep searching! I would love to share my God with you! He is awesome, loving and wise beyond belief!!!

Answer 6

That was an awful long explanation for your question. I'll keep mine short. Religion is not what it's all about, and neither is mysticism or politics. The only thing that is everlasting and important is your personal relationship with Jesus. Everything else is temporary. Jesus didn't care for organized religion, He was against mysticism, and He didn't get into politics.

Answer 7

just about everything ends in politics my friend, even the FIFA world cup competition, the US is probably the only country where futbol is called soccer and not real important according to mainstream media but that did not stop john mccain from trying to get a congressional bill to ban Iran from the games passed, and we are poor sports as well Ghan kicked our asses, but the commentators lied and said that the players from Ghana practice more and hone their skills because they play with the leagues in Europe, which is completely untrue maybe one player from the team played with the others from the big leagues, but thanx to politics the commentators are the blowin the US and talking us up, making excuses for our weaknesses and not talking about Ghana players, if you watched the game it was the US vs. some other team,that's politics for ya

Answer 8

Your first statement is interesting. How do you know that these are actually errors? You must be using an absolute standard. What is it? Is it you? Science? Why is that absolute standard exempt from questioning? And why does mystical experience get a free pass from questioning? This is confusing and not at all logical.

Answer 9

no doesn't begin in mysticism & end in politics.
religion shouldn't change at all.
there's so many different types of religions all over the world.
the most impt thing is that it's your personal relationship with god.
in the bible, and in the 10 commandments it states: thou shalt have NO OTHER GOD(s) BEFORE ME. god's a jealous god.
thou shalt not worship any graven images either.
nothing personal against any religion, but this is a commandment god made to all of us.
if you read into the 10 commandments it's there in black & white.

Answer 10

It is mysticism until it is scientifically explained.Religion is always a faith."I have faith that my religion is true".A mystic could study dreams to see if they are a valid reality experience.It is faith and not truth that the religious tie their psyche to.That is a power struggle for the loudest voice.Politics has to be for the good of all.In day to day politics it has to be truth to make the system work.

Answer 11

No, true religion begins with science and ends with Faith. Intelligent Design has all the answers through harmonious integration of science and theology.

Glory be ID