Calandale
Mockingbird
Wyrd
Forum Malcontent
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Posts: 983
I mock you
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Dunno that there IS a question. Just stating my belief about the underlying role of religion (as opposed to spirituality), within a framework of social institutions. It's something of a take on the 'opiate of the masses' side of things - but the reality is that societies need institutions to survive, and those institutions, AND the thinking which drive them, are geared (by virtue of what DOES survive) toward the success of the society on a competitive stage.
As to spirituality, it is bound up in religious beliefs. The institutionalized religions help promote and indoctrinate thinking which goes hand in hand with the societal role that religions play. But, there is something in spiritual thinking which often seems more decisive in directing the thoughts of humans. Not always - sometimes nationalism or other institutional ideals are more pervasive. Nowadays, in the West, it seems celebrity and wealth may be greater driving forces - which of course will be on a beeline for conflict with religious institutions based upon humility and self-denial. Of course, Protestantism is in part to blame (or more ready wealth for Protestantism) in pushing the glorification of earned wealth - it is a sign (though no sure one) of having been saved under Calvinist principles, for example; God helps those who help themselves and all.
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« Last Edit: July 23, 2014, 11:41:00 am by Calandale »
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