Sunday, October 18, 2009
Central Theme
All to often we will try to depict a common bond between people through agreement of the most common religious epiphanies. This is still however just an extension of the in grouping that leads to division. When people say that “we all may have differences but most of us believe that there is a higher power”, it is often meant to be uniting or healing statement. How is this statement not damaging to atheists or agnostics? They are alienated from the religious community. Their beliefs, which have been often more personally examined, are viewed as absurd because of their distance from the majority. To most statements like these sound more like “at least we believe in something”. Well atheists and agnostics do believe in something. Religion is simply an explanation for our existence and the nature of the universe. Atheists and agnostics have often mulled over the hardest questions with as tenacious audacity as the most dedicated theologians. Buddhists, followers of Confucius, Taoists, and many other spiritualities all have strong specific religious doctrine that do not revolve around deities. There are hardly any real common beliefs that can bridge the gap between all religious perspectives. The real common bond between people is that no matter the categorization or label of ones personal beliefs, they are always perfectly unique.
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Interestingly, some themes do run through several religions-e.g., the idea of a great flood. More on topic, being unique disturbs many people because it ultimately means being alone, at least categorically. People will seek a common ground wherever possible. The bandwagon effect is powerful, and is not limited to religion; nor is it necessarily all bad. I identify myself as an engineer and a runner-being part of these groups is beneficial. It provides a group that shares common desires or beliefs, it provides social interaction by providing a common ground for conversation, allows in-jokes (though religious types aren't often keen on those), etc.
ReplyDeleteThe problem to me is when people defer to the group for any and all thought. As a runner, I'm more likely to vote for a candidate who supports local parks and trails. However, I would never go to a 5k and expect the race director to tell me who to vote for. When any group takes up too much of a person's life they cease to be an individual and become a mindless mob. Like an avalanche, full of unique snowflakes all doing the same exact thing.
As always, an interesting talking point. I've got a few friends who would be interested in this as well. I'll spread the word next time i hear from them.