Most religions attempt to tackle two fundamental problems – the fear of death and loneliness. But a cultural expression takes unexpected turns, often in direct contradiction to the original intent.
To perish after the granularity of life seems unimaginable. Our soul surely transcends the corporal, there must be an afterlife. Enter a religion to confirm and assure of the immortality. But instead of extending the treasures and the mystery, it demands the sacrifice of this world to the world to come. You must give up this world for the eternity. Instead of extending a life, a religion unwittingly brings the sacrificial death closer into the immediate corporal mix.
Humans seek a social essence. To be understood is to share goals and values with other people. Enter the initiation and conversion into the shared sanctity. But alas the worshipers turn sideways (or more often backwards) to each other and eagerly transfer the meaning, love, care, friendship and emotions to a jealous, remote and unapproachable deity.
Illustrations by Hugh MacLeod
- Further Reading:
- Belief and Religion as Love and Marriage
- Office Etiquette Prohibition on Politics and Religion
- Revolution meets Religion
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