Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Religion and Belief Systems
Hub Blog really liked this interview with religious scholar James Carse. I'm not in total agreement with him that religion can't be defined. I also don't think that all secular belief systems are defined by an 'absolute authority' (with a near-worshipped person, text or institution). A casual survey of contemporary American politics shows that there are many types of 'belief systems' that lock people into highly predictable ways of thinking (think of the tired 'left' and 'right' partisan and ideological divide). But Carse's observations definitely make you think about how humans need a set of beliefs to explain and navigate their lives. ... P.S. -- I also think instinctive tribalism, as defined by a desire to belong, also plays a role in shaping and maintaining beliefs. How else to explain fraternities, clubs, gangs, parties, chat rooms and the Massachusetts Legislature? ...
Hub Blog really liked this interview with religious scholar James Carse. I'm not in total agreement with him that religion can't be defined. I also don't think that all secular belief systems are defined by an 'absolute authority' (with a near-worshipped person, text or institution). A casual survey of contemporary American politics shows that there are many types of 'belief systems' that lock people into highly predictable ways of thinking (think of the tired 'left' and 'right' partisan and ideological divide). But Carse's observations definitely make you think about how humans need a set of beliefs to explain and navigate their lives. ... P.S. -- I also think instinctive tribalism, as defined by a desire to belong, also plays a role in shaping and maintaining beliefs. How else to explain fraternities, clubs, gangs, parties, chat rooms and the Massachusetts Legislature? ...
