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How the world divides
Are our differences more cultural than religious?
In recent history, most observers of global events would concur that one notable religion is at considerable odds with most of the other religions, or at least on the surface it appears to be presented as religious conflict. Though undoubtedly there are differences among world religions, beneath the surface I doubt that religion is the cause of the underlying discontent.
I suspect that the discord has more to do with a cultural divide than a religious divide. For centuries, if not thousands of years, some religions leaders have had exclusive, if not total control, over its practitioners. In all most all instances, that control has been hierarchical and with authority that would be considered blasphemous to challenge.
In recent years, we have seen an explosion is mass media and the availability of the Internet which has been very enlightening to those who knew very little beyond that which was told to them by their religious leaders. As a result, there seems to be an equal and opposite reaction on the part of religious leaders; that is, the more perceived threat of losing power, control and influence over their followers, the more they struggle (sometimes violently) to try to retain what to them must certainly feel is their rightful heir.
In a world marked by the existence of astonishing metropolitans like Shanghai, Paris, London, Tokyo, New York (to name a small number) in juxtaposition to significant parts of the world that still exists in tribal conditions, how can the world not be divided.
Some who live nomadic or tribal lives may have the opportunity to view syndicated news and televised programs from time to time and wonder: “Why doesn’t my religious leader allow me to …” “Why can’t I have a life like that too?”
There must be intense pressure bearing down on these religious leaders to come up with an answer. Thus far, some leaders have been telling their followers that the difference is religious -- a very convenient and less encumbered way in which to sidestep the more plausible realities that it is about culture and the way in which many 21st Century people have chosen to live their lives.
You thoughts and/or philosophy are welcome.
In recent history, most observers of global events would concur that one notable religion is at considerable odds with most of the other religions, or at least on the surface it appears to be presented as religious conflict. Though undoubtedly there are differences among world religions, beneath the surface I doubt that religion is the cause of the underlying discontent.
I suspect that the discord has more to do with a cultural divide than a religious divide. For centuries, if not thousands of years, some religions leaders have had exclusive, if not total control, over its practitioners. In all most all instances, that control has been hierarchical and with authority that would be considered blasphemous to challenge.
In recent years, we have seen an explosion is mass media and the availability of the Internet which has been very enlightening to those who knew very little beyond that which was told to them by their religious leaders. As a result, there seems to be an equal and opposite reaction on the part of religious leaders; that is, the more perceived threat of losing power, control and influence over their followers, the more they struggle (sometimes violently) to try to retain what to them must certainly feel is their rightful heir.
In a world marked by the existence of astonishing metropolitans like Shanghai, Paris, London, Tokyo, New York (to name a small number) in juxtaposition to significant parts of the world that still exists in tribal conditions, how can the world not be divided.
Some who live nomadic or tribal lives may have the opportunity to view syndicated news and televised programs from time to time and wonder: “Why doesn’t my religious leader allow me to …” “Why can’t I have a life like that too?”
There must be intense pressure bearing down on these religious leaders to come up with an answer. Thus far, some leaders have been telling their followers that the difference is religious -- a very convenient and less encumbered way in which to sidestep the more plausible realities that it is about culture and the way in which many 21st Century people have chosen to live their lives.
You thoughts and/or philosophy are welcome.
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