Are all religions just metaphors for an underlying truth that we can not understand directly?

Answer 1

Someone once wrote this, in the not too distant past:

'I think one of the keys – if not THE key – to understanding religious thought is to realize that it is not a rational explanation of how the universe is. It is a poetic understanding of things too large for the human mind to contain. Once we understand that, we begin to apply thought to the truths hinted at by the doctrines, rather than accepting them as statements of fact. It is this thoughtfulness – one might even say “mindfulness” – that is the most important aspect of real spirituality. Without it, all we have is mindless, useless, dogma.'

Peace and (((hugGs)))

Answer 2

That's a bit of a sweeping statement, but essentially "yes." If you take religious language literally, you are not taking it seriously enough.

There is of course lots and lots of stuff that comes under the name of "religion," but when you look at the core of it, when you focus on actual spiritual experiences and the practices (like meditation) that inculcate those experiences, you see two very simple things. (1) While the words and theological systems can be very different, the actual practices can be identical. And (2) those practices -- again I'm thinking particularly of contemplative and meditative procedures -- cultivate experiences that are very matter-of-factly before words.

So "of course" the words used in different cultures and societies to describe and depict experiences that come before words are going to look different.

But if you're really, honestly empirical about it -- if you focus seriously on what people are actually doing and experiencing -- it becomes manifestly apparent that their most profound and valued experiential realizations occur across traditions.

It is a real shame that many of the more dogmatic religious and the more dogmatic anti-religious folks in our world haven't taken a more careful and practical look at this. There is, in the end, nothing more meaningful, and nothing more needed in our time.
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Answer 3

There is one truth and many paths. This truth is hidden in all HOLY Text. I grew up Christian, have studied Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism), Sufi Islam with a wonderful Muslim organization, Hindu teaching of Satchitananda and the teaching of the Buddah. The one who is fulfilled in Christianity is indistinguishable from one who is fulfilled in Islam, who is indistinguishable from one fulfilled in the Jewish faith and is like unto a true yogi and a buddah. Now they may worship differently but when it comes to love of their fellow man they will be the same.

There is an understanding that allows all Holy Text to exist in harmony. It is the dogma and ritual of man that is different. For some reason I see the harmony in all the Holy text. I see that the Torah is true, I see that the Gospels are true, I see that the Quran is true (not to mention the Bahavad Gita, Vedas and countless other Holy text.)

You know how when you read holy scripture a few times each time you read you get a deeper understanding that may be different then the first time you read the passage. Well consider that if you hold your first understanding as true and absolutely true and completely true, then you never grow spiritually. You never see the deeper meaning. But all scripture has many layers of meaning.

Sadly many eat only the skin of the fruit and leave the meat of the fruit untouched.

Yes there is hidden truth common to all. It is the core teaching of all Holy text. And it is not seen by many, taught by fewer and considered by less.

It is my prayer that our eyes begin to open and love one another as God loves us all.

Blessings and peace to all,
All in all,
B

Answer 4

Yes. Religion is a metaphor for morals. It tells us to be good for others, and it makes us do it by offering rewards for it. It also requires punishment for being cruel or evil. It is a way of controlling the masses and repressing them through fear. I feel it is entirely justified, and it is the right thing to do because not everyone will do the right thing if they're not threatened with punishment.

Answer 5

I believe the underlying truth is that most humans are scared of being marooned on our big blue marble.In order to tame this fear our minds have constructed a being who is is somehow watching over us. Early on, power seeking men set themselves up to represent this being, claiming to be arbiters of their own version of the truth.Thus was born organized religion and the tragedies it has spawned. Whatever the truth may be, humans appear to be incapable of comprehending it.Or once dimly comprehended, to believe it.

Answer 6

We can understand it directly. In fact, we can only understand it directly--that is, through direct experience. It can't be described with words, or understood with concepts.

However, you have to dig pretty far before you get to those truths. They're buried under a lot of propaganda, ideology, and confusion.

Answer 7

Yes. That "truth" in religions is the one these LAZY self proclaimers don't want you to find out, because if you DID, they would have to go to WORK like all the rest of us. God is anything the lazy mind can conjure up in religions for if they knew truth they would know the REAL Lord in heaven doesn't like BUMS and God is not filling up heaven with these kind.........

Answer 8

It is my theory that religions offer opportunities and information, (faulty as that information is), for providing the practitioners with a feeling of belongingness, and socialization. I doubt if you will find many members of any religions that will admit they do not understand the accepted concepts presented by the leaders of their religions.

Answer 9

Are you afraid to read the bible?
Could you have a responsibility towards your fellow man if you understood what is in it?
Is this why questions like this one get posited in the first place is because people don't want to educate themselves and make a personal decision?
www.watchtower.org

Answer 10

Yes. The underlying truth is that we don't know why we are here, where we came from, or where we are going, and it scares the heck out of us.