The different religions of the world evolved from mankind's 'collective unconscious' and then were influenced by actual global events and cultural influences. Every human perceived that the Divine was something that was experienced privately and explained communally...so Hinduism and Islam and Christianity and Buddhism and animist beliefs, etc. are all describing the same thing through a cultural perspective...is this 'World Religions 101'?
Comments?
2006-11-02 01:38:09 · 11 answers · asked by a_delphic_oracle 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The collective unconscious (as coined by Jung) would most certainly explain common elements in world mythology. Many cultures have a flood story (the original one from the Middle East was found in the Epic of Gilgamesh, I believe). The sun is worshipped in ancient Middle Eastern cultures, ancient Britain (as hinted by the Stonehenge monument) and in the Americas. The rituals are different (culturally motivated), but the symbols and their meaning are similar, if not identical.
So yes, you're right!
2006-11-02 01:47:14 · answer #1 · answered by E D 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi a-delphic, another good question. Btw, I am working to finish a book, editting now, and these questions at times clarify things for me. Since the questions are random, really, they are, they point me in new directions at times.
You are getting close. Christian theology says that revelation is "dual" being based on general and special revelation.
General is what is revealed in nature, complexity, existance, a sense of spirit. Special is what is revealed in the Bible. Then there is doctrine, or the specifics of religion.
Some Christian sects say "special" is sufficient. But that is not God saying that, it is man saying that. It may be God, but you just do not know. That is ok. It may be right and it is ok to believe. But in this forum, we are comparing different sects so the standard for proof becomes greater. It is not your faith statement.
For general revelation, then yes, we can all, individually, not collectively, no matter where we are, have a innate revelation or idea that God exists.
To paraphrase, as stated in the bible and what God is said to have said in Romans 1:19-20:
“The evidence for My existence is all around you. It matters not if you have been trained to believe in Me or not. If you do not believe in Me, you have ignored the evidence.”
For religion, I believe in Christianity, for many reasons, not the least of which is that sturdy philosophers, like Aquinas, Descartes, etc., in the tradition of Aristotle, have used sound philosophical reasoning to develop and understand the theology behind it. This sounds like I know more than I do, for I don't, I'm just being general. However, I did do a term paper on Descartes, "Meditiations on First Philosophy" and got an A, lucky me, lol. I was a strong atheist then, and was able to show he did not prove dualism, but, he had a strong reasoning mind. Descartes was the the father of the "scientific method". It is funny, all these posts here about Christians being adverse to science. Yet the reasoning used behind science was developed by very strong Christian thinkers, centuries ago. The irony!
He's the guy that said, after he doubted everthing, even himself, that because he still doubted, he could conclude, Cogito Ergo Sum. I think, therefore I am. Viola, thus, the name of my avatar. I think, I am. Not, I think I am. lol. Maybe I need a comma?
Now who is God. In the Bible, God is said to define Himself to Moses as, "I am who I am". Tell the people, "I am", sent you.
Interesting, the idea of pure consciousness comes from this. Not I think, or doubt, thus I am, but just by itself, "I am". From here it gets too deep. But, the idea of God being just "I am", is different than this guy with a beard throwing thunderbolts. He also was philosophical. God is, "I am who I am". That is different than a human, who has to think to know he or she is.
Sorry that it got a little deep. I was cogito'ing out loud.
Take care!
2006-11-02 19:59:40 · answer #2 · answered by Cogito Sum 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It evolved out of a need to create laws to abide by for the sake of budding society. This is why most of the basic doctrines of just about all of the religions match. The problem comes about when you combine feelings of nationalism, and from there stems a need for My God to protect me from Your God. Yes, this is World Religions 101.
2006-11-02 09:42:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Can't be because they're all mutually exclusive.
Those of you that say they're all the same, are only picking out the similar parts and ignoring the parts you find unpalatable.
It's like saying that my banana and the wall of my cubicle are really the same because they're both brown (ewww!). That's only ONE attribute.
2006-11-03 13:31:30 · answer #4 · answered by Salami and Orange Juice 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes A delphic at the expense of someone throwing pie in my face, I totally agree with you. I wish you well
2006-11-02 14:37:36 · answer #5 · answered by fryedaddy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Completely disagree.
The one true God has shown Himself to man in many ways, on many occasions.
The deceiver and distractor has created the pursuit and worship of many false gods (greed, lust, power, allah, etc) to try to keep us away from the love and mercy of God, and salvation thru His Son, Jesus.
2006-11-02 09:44:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Thats a very good un-researched opinion. That is a normal view. Its very natural.
2006-11-02 09:44:11 · answer #7 · answered by Desperado 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that's a great way of putting it. I think if we subtracted the us against them crap from religion, it would be a beautifull thing.
2006-11-02 09:52:48 · answer #8 · answered by Jessy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
spot on
well done xx
lol im not going to philosophise because i simply agree
2006-11-02 09:41:33 · answer #9 · answered by Peace 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
mankind's collective conscious, immeasurable ignorance and unrestricted arrogance and unrestrained violence.
2006-11-02 09:45:03 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋