The perusal of a decent English dictionary will reveal that the generic definition of a religion is a belief, activity or cause pursued with fervor and devotion.
That same tome will also reveal the definition of a philosophy to be a set of values and opinions of an individual or group – i.e. a belief.
From a mathematical logic standpoint a religion is therefore a philosophy and a philosophy is a religion. (If A=B and B=C then A=C).
Now let us briefly examine, if one will, the phenomena of crusading religions and revolutionary governments. Such an analysis will reveal that they are the same basic phenomena differing only in tag lines and credos. Each requires devotees and converts to the ‘faith’. Each requires martyrs and sacrifice. In religions there is mystery, magic and miracle. In philosophies there is belief in a better life to those who adhere to a belief in the ‘way’. Whether they be Roman Catholic, Protestant, Buddhist, Islamists, Democrats, Republicans or whatever convenient tag they attach to themselves, they are the same. And what is the purpose of it all? What is the root cause of either religious philosophy or secular philosophy?
The Old Testament was composed mainly during the Babylonian Captivity of the Hebrews. Its singular purpose was to provide a written history of the Jewish Nation to prevent the Hebrews from being assimilated into the Persian civilization and thus disappearing as an individual nation of people. It was about the survival of that nation through the most adverse of times.
Survival – the only instinct of humanity. When we are born it is without the knowledge of a language or of any sense of moral philosophy. We have but one desire, to live – to continue breathing and to experience what life has to offer, for better or worse. This is the main purpose of a tribal chief, king, emperor, gang leader, godfather, pope, mayor, governor, president or whatever title given the leader one chooses. They enforce the rules and regulations established for survival.
The need for survival progresses as one matures and goes through at least five levels for each individual. How quickly one progress through these levels; or indeed if one progress at all, is dependent on the mental growth of the individual.
The first level is survival of self. At this level it is basically everyone for themselves. These are the loners, those who do not join with others and go their own way. They normally do not help others under any circumstances. When they profess to do so, however, it is usually with an agenda of self-survival. Many a despot who wishes to control others will never rise above this level. They will freely sacrifice others to do their bidding but will not sacrifice a thing themselves. They are at best braggarts and cowards who use others to do their bidding.
The second level is survival of family. These individuals have progressed to the level where they have learned the concept of sacrifice. Family can be a conventional family unit of husband, wife and children, a street gang, a military unit or any other group banded together for a mutual purpose.
The third level is survival of tribe. These individuals believe that the tribe, or city, or other such group survive against the forces that are assailed against them. Sacrifice of self by death, if necessary, is accepted and freely given for the survival of the unit, be it religious or secular.
The fourth level is survival of nation. The survival of one’s country is uppermost in the eyes of patriots. Here, also, one sacrifices one’s life with the assurance that the country will survive because of their actions. Those who sacrificed themselves during World War II and our nations’ wars fall into this category.
The fifth level is survival of humanity. At this level one has reached a plateau where sacrifice of self for the benefit of the untold, and often unknown, multitude is given freely and willingly.
Next time we will delve into changing moral philosophies that shaped the history of our world.
Some pertinent links
http://www.huckpac.com/?Fuseaction=Petitions.View&Petition_id=5
http://townhall.com/columnists/DickMorrisandEileenMcGann/
http://profiles.numbersusa.com/
https://www.dearpolitician.org/index.php
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