The core of all religions is the same...
The title of this, second post in one day, is the gist of the message that was given by one of the deacon's at the Episcopal service that I attended early this morning. She started out telling a story about how a young Jewish student wanted to know the meaning of life (after years of studying the Torah) so he started asking around. Finally he went to the Rabbi and asked him, the rabbi slapped him and said, "answers divide us, the questions unite us, you have a perfectly good question, keep studying." I wondered where she was going with this. I liked this story.
Then we get to the "hard" part for me. She says that all religions, at their core, are the same, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, etc. I can't buy into this. When you use some of the definitions of religion as Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines it, there is opportunity to agree with her, Merriam-Webster says that religion is, as follows:
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Main Entry: re·li·gion
Pronunciation: ri-'li-j&nFunction: noun
Etymology: Middle English religioun, from Anglo-French religiun, Latin religion-, religio supernatural constraint, sanction, religious practice, perhaps from religare to restrain, tie back -- more at RELY
1 a : the state of a religious
b (1) : the service and worship of God or the supernatural (2) : commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
2 : a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices
3 archaic : scrupulous conformity : CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
4 : a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith
(Merriam-Webster online)
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Now we think about what these religions are actually at their core, Christianity is the following of the ways and teachings of Jesus, isn't that the core? Buddhism is the following of the ways and teaching of, Buddha, right? Islam - Mohammed, etc. I'm not sure how I see these as the same thing. Or am I missing the core? is the core actually deeper than, is the core self-preservation at a cosmic level? Buddhism (if my memory serves) the idea is to transcend to a place where you are one with everything, the self is gone and you are one, so cosmic self-preservation doesn't seem like it's right. Is the core to be a part of something that is bigger than you?
I'm not sure I know the answers, anyone have thoughts?
BS
Then we get to the "hard" part for me. She says that all religions, at their core, are the same, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, etc. I can't buy into this. When you use some of the definitions of religion as Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines it, there is opportunity to agree with her, Merriam-Webster says that religion is, as follows:
------------------
Main Entry: re·li·gion
Pronunciation: ri-'li-j&nFunction: noun
Etymology: Middle English religioun, from Anglo-French religiun, Latin religion-, religio supernatural constraint, sanction, religious practice, perhaps from religare to restrain, tie back -- more at RELY
1 a : the state of a religious
b (1) : the service and worship of God or the supernatural (2) : commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
2 : a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices
3 archaic : scrupulous conformity : CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
4 : a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith
(Merriam-Webster online)
------------------
Now we think about what these religions are actually at their core, Christianity is the following of the ways and teachings of Jesus, isn't that the core? Buddhism is the following of the ways and teaching of, Buddha, right? Islam - Mohammed, etc. I'm not sure how I see these as the same thing. Or am I missing the core? is the core actually deeper than, is the core self-preservation at a cosmic level? Buddhism (if my memory serves) the idea is to transcend to a place where you are one with everything, the self is gone and you are one, so cosmic self-preservation doesn't seem like it's right. Is the core to be a part of something that is bigger than you?
I'm not sure I know the answers, anyone have thoughts?
BS
posted by blarney stoned at 15:00
4 Comments:
I think you should ask her what HER definition of Core is. She may not be talking about the actual roots or origins of a specific religious belief like you are.
anonymous,
You make a good point, it follows along with what Dr. Stets and I were talking about yesterday morning. If her point was that all religions (at their core) have something similar to the Golden Rule, then her definition would be correct. I guess I could try to find her and ask, but I'm not sure that's "allowed" in the Episcopal circles, is it?
BS
Yes, but are you technically in the "Episcopal Circle"
Anon,
Sort of, I suppose. If I have inserted myself into an Episcopal Church, I would be, wouldn't I?
BS
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