As it goes with the history of human society, there is always a status quo perspective; one set of mores and expectations predominates. In time, however, the thinkers and philosophers of any given era branch out beyond the accepted parameters to establish alternate worldviews and visions.
I was sort of meditating about this whole formulation when it dawned on me that each religion is born of militancy. When each suffered through its initial birth pangs, it represented a perspective on life and the unknown that was outside of the accepted norm of the day. It was a challenge to the ruling orthodoxy and its first adherents were the beatniks poets of their time.
In those heady early years, the new religion was about inclusion. Almost anyone who wanted into the tent was welcomed with open arms. Come in, brothers and sisters. Rest your weary bones. We'll bring you food and drink for your tattered soul.
In time, however, as the religion grew, being a member granted its followers a badge that marked how their group differed from all others. While the burgeoning belief system still welcomed new converts, the rites of membership slowly begin to become more stringent. What was once a nebulous concept that was coalescing into an identifiable form, soon becomes a far more rigid structure.
To compete with other systems of belief, religions often borrow and incorporate foreign rituals, creeds, beliefs and practices into the mix. This is not done in a conscious manner; it's more a form of unconscious marketing savvy. You see what methodologies your competitors are finding success with and you borrow those fragments that you can gently knead into your own dough. By doing this, you can stay faithful to your core principles, while attracting new blood and swelling your membership ranks.
At some point, successful religions reach critical mass. Far from being the rebel philosophy, it now takes its place as the predominate system of thought within a society. In essence, it begins to stagnate by becoming the new status quo. Adherents are no longer the militants but the establishment!
Now, we see the reversal of roles. What was once a revolutionary concept -- a thrust for mental or spiritual independence -- becomes the tool that attempts to quash anything that even winks at revolution.
In the United States, for one example, the religious right has become the Pharisees and Sadducees of our day. They rule the inner temple and siphon off the money from the tax collectors. And they are ready to crucify anyone who dares to think outside their teeny box of orthodoxy.
What was once militant is now the epitome of stagnation and, of course, this reality is completely lost upon them just as it was to different groups two millennia ago.
I was sort of meditating about this whole formulation when it dawned on me that each religion is born of militancy. When each suffered through its initial birth pangs, it represented a perspective on life and the unknown that was outside of the accepted norm of the day. It was a challenge to the ruling orthodoxy and its first adherents were the beatniks poets of their time.
In those heady early years, the new religion was about inclusion. Almost anyone who wanted into the tent was welcomed with open arms. Come in, brothers and sisters. Rest your weary bones. We'll bring you food and drink for your tattered soul.
In time, however, as the religion grew, being a member granted its followers a badge that marked how their group differed from all others. While the burgeoning belief system still welcomed new converts, the rites of membership slowly begin to become more stringent. What was once a nebulous concept that was coalescing into an identifiable form, soon becomes a far more rigid structure.
To compete with other systems of belief, religions often borrow and incorporate foreign rituals, creeds, beliefs and practices into the mix. This is not done in a conscious manner; it's more a form of unconscious marketing savvy. You see what methodologies your competitors are finding success with and you borrow those fragments that you can gently knead into your own dough. By doing this, you can stay faithful to your core principles, while attracting new blood and swelling your membership ranks.
At some point, successful religions reach critical mass. Far from being the rebel philosophy, it now takes its place as the predominate system of thought within a society. In essence, it begins to stagnate by becoming the new status quo. Adherents are no longer the militants but the establishment!
Now, we see the reversal of roles. What was once a revolutionary concept -- a thrust for mental or spiritual independence -- becomes the tool that attempts to quash anything that even winks at revolution.
In the United States, for one example, the religious right has become the Pharisees and Sadducees of our day. They rule the inner temple and siphon off the money from the tax collectors. And they are ready to crucify anyone who dares to think outside their teeny box of orthodoxy.
What was once militant is now the epitome of stagnation and, of course, this reality is completely lost upon them just as it was to different groups two millennia ago.
just another statement of how power corrupts. as someone who cares for animals, it is interesting to see how the most "picked on" animal quickly becomes the biggest "bully" when elevated from its lowly position. the once meek and submissive animal becomes cruel and tyrannical... in chickens, goats, cows, pigs, and of course humans! martyrs can quite easily become tyrants.
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