Question to all Y/A R&S users?

Question

Every religion is true one way or another. It's true when understood metaphorically. When it gets stuck in its own metaphors, interpreting them as facts, then you're in trouble.

Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?

true when understood metaphorically not true metaphorically

Answer 1

yes, i agree because i feel that way also - i think when we close ourselves off to what is really trying to be conveyed, we oversimplify and miss out on the truths that are there. that stops spiritual growth, and makes us less tolerant of those seeking real meaning within our own faith or theirs.

the main reason i officially converted to judaism was that our holy books are meant to be read metaphorically. we are also taught that all holy books are inspired by that groups understanding of the universe, which "allows" me to use any resource that enhances my spiritual growth, regardless of the religion it is affiliated with.

Answer 2

I am normally a fairly bright and insightful woman but I have no clue what you are getting at here. What is a Y/A?

You are right, all religions are founded on some truth or another. I think you are referring to things like hadiths in Islam for example. Or the canons passed down by the Pope in Catholicism.

If people just stuck to the word in the Bible, Koran, Torah, etc and did not get carried away on translations and interpretations made by other MEN who are prone to biases and errors, many of our world problems would be gone.

I am a Muslim and I know I will shock many other Muslims when I say I disregard the Hadiths because I only want to read the words of Allah, not those of a biased interpreted male scholar who lived 9 centuries ago. If that makes me a bad Mulsimah, so be it. I like things clear and neat.

So, yeah, I agree if that is what you were asking. You do make a point I agree with. Usually when they get caught up it amounts to, what seems to me, nit-picking trivialities. For all religions.

Answer 3

This statement reduces the notion of "true" to a meaningless word.

However, I do agree that a major problem with religion is the constant failure to distinguish between metaphor and reality. Religion is not alone in that, of course.

Answer 4

Metaphors should stay as metaphors, and not to be interpreted as facts.

Answer 5

Yes. Some metaphors should stay metaphors, taken seriously as facts would trouble things.

Like that time when I was teaching those kids about flowers and bees....boy was I screwed when they were taking it seriously.

Answer 6

I think the problem is they create an edifice of dogma and theology and clinging to that often takes on more meaning than following the fundamental principles on which the religion was founded. Christianity for example doesn't seem to reflect the moral precepts of Christ.

Answer 7

Absolutely incorrect.

Different religions make contrary and conflicting claims about truth and reality. To attempt to harmonize religions by "spiritualizing or metaphorically interpreting" clear pronouncements of fact is an injustice to all religions. Either only one is right, or they are all wrong. You cannot rationally try to harmonize them together.

Answer 8

No, I don't agree with your statement. It is in truth, not metaphores that I believe.

Answer 9

Agree. It is a sad fact that many people believe it is actually possible to convert water into wine even though no process in the universe can create the carbons necessary for that transformation.

Answer 10

I agree. (metaphorically speaking of course)