Would you say there are there two fundamental kinds of knowledge; religious knowledge and everything else?

Question

The ‘everything else’ is a poor term for a very important category. We have been adding to ‘everything else’ since the dawn of creative thought. It is what grants us our status as a sentient, sapient and self aware species. Religious knowledge is not really knowledge at all. It’s more like pseudo knowledge. It’s taken completely on faith and the term ‘belief’ is more appropriate. It doesn’t benefit our technological progression at all. One can spend a thousand lifetimes learning all there is to know about the various religions and not contribute to the progression of our species one iota.

Answer 1

When you think of all the time and effort wasted on religious matters it is appalling. For example, hundreds of churches were built in the middle ages in the UK because people though that the Black Death was due to god's wrath.

Answer 2

I believe that we only know what is in our own minds, and specifically, we only know what we have experienced. "Religious knowledge", as you put it, is similar to the "knowledge" any person would gain from being told a story. A quote...
"Stories are very powerful, because what stories allow us to do is experience the consequences of our actions without actually doing them. That's the power of a story, so that you can learn a life lesson without doing damage to yourself."
~Crispin Freeman (from "A Very Different Place" interview for JIVEMagazine)
Now, the obvious problem with learning from a story (from the bible or not) is that it is an incomplete experience, and often fails to truly take root. Thus we fall back upon things we have really been through for constant reference in present situations, and only in hindsight make the full connection to the story.

So... "religious knowledge" I would call "hypothetical awareness" which is something that we have stored away, but is often not tangible enough to really guide anything until the person has a solid point of reference to connect to.

By the way, that interview (link to follow) is a fantastic read, whether you're an anime fan or not. Crispin has some really interesting views and, though we aren't necessarily aware of it in so many words, he really speaks some things that are undeniable truths, and so casually you hardly notice how resonant it is. But speaking is his job, no? (You would only get that if you know who he is.)

Answer 3

I completely disagree. What we are as persons influences all that we know and are able to learn. And what we are is often, if not always, shaped by our spiritual development. To most, the term "religion" applies to that side of them.

It is true that it does not directly benefit "technological progression." But is that the only progress you can see? Do you look forward to a completely mechanistic world?

Most people form their moral judgment around their religion, either in direct acceptance of a moral code or in the psychological turmoil that accompanies rebellion against a too-strict religion. And moral judgment enters into everything we do, especially into technology and science. Do you doubt that there is a moral component to the use of the Internet, for example? Aren't there things it is right to do and things it is wrong to do? The newer the technology, the more we must rely on the good judgment of those who are developing it, and with it developing the "community guidelines" for it.

Even using this very medium -- Yahoo Answers -- as an example, it is clear that religious, spiritual, and moral matters are of significance. You don't want to give the whole world over to the trolls, do you?

Answer 4

Religious Knowledge?

Oxymoron!

Answer 5

Knowledge without Love

and

Knowledge with Love = True Wisdom.
God is Love.

Answer 6

no one is going to hell -- there is not any such position after lack of life. yet -- they really could exist in a hellish type of life!! anybody must be dealt with with appreciate and love. with any success even as such human beings become adults they could have the potential for gaining knowledge of life situations -- preparation oneself for a more advantageous positive expertise of what precisely 'life' means philosophically and scientifically!!! -- One does no longer 'choose' faith only a more advantageous positive expertise.

Answer 7

There is secular as well as spiritual knowledge. Secular knowledge enable you to live in this world and utilize the resources for your benefit including your kith and kin. Spiritual knowledge though you term it as 'pseudo' is the real knowledge, by learning which you can lead a contented life here and advance in spirituality that leads you to self realization.

Answer 8

:) Does exploration of the aesthetic contribute to the progress of the species or an individual?

Answer 9

You're right; Religious belief is not knowledge at all, it is merely wishful (or fearful) thinking.

Answer 10

Yeah, that's pretty much the case.

Good insight.