How relevant is it? How relevant has it ever been?
We are and have always been a species that takes comfort from ritualized beliefs and practices. They provide a means of drawing/tying a community together, defining them in their own eyes and in the eyes of others. However, ritualized beliefs and practices were often developed in ignorance, used to explain natural phenomena, seasonal or exceptional, that we did not otherwise have the capacity to understand/accept.
Maybe it appeared to work thousands of years ago because there were fewer of us, we moved around less and were less aware of the ritualized beliefs of others. Or maybe they never really worked…?
They obviously stopped working once they were weaponized – codified, held sacrosanct and forcefully inflicted upon others. We’ve been doing that for thousands of years. Why? Simple answer – Control/Greed. I believe formalized religions were the first global corporations – out to control our thoughts and actions and take our wealth with little or no regard for our health and well being…
Worth noting that ALL religious doctrine was written by humans – mere mortals – fallible mortals just like you and me, all here to learn. They were possibly initially recorded with positive intent, to share insight and wisdom. However, sections are notoriously narrow minded, disrespectful and at worst, actively promote maliciously violent behaviour. Circumstances, science, technology and lifestyles have changed dramatically over the centuries yet the various doctrines remain static. Why do they it still have traction in the 21st century? Because we let them, either by active choice or default – because we cannot be bothered forming our own opinions, are afraid to question what we perceive as authority or don’t even see the need to…
We do not have to wonder why/how we turned into the most aggressive, violent and disrespectful species on the planet – it’s all there in black and white…
BUT, the good news is, we can choose to change. We are an intelligent species with the capacity to form our own opinions, moderate our behaviours and decide for ourselves how we wish to evolve as individuals and as a species.
It’s in our individual and collective hands to live more compassionate and caring lives, more aware of our inner world, seeking and receiving guidance from within rather than from without. By becoming conscious of our thoughts and how they affect our behaviours, being compassionate and openly willing to share our wisdom and accept guidance/support from like minded individuals, we will create change.
It may sound daunting – it’s not – it’s why we exist, to evolve and help others do the same in a manner that respects and enhances all forms of life on earth – not just human kind.