Behind the Invisible Velvet Curtain

It amazes me that in this post-modern age, with the knowledge we humans have of the universe, of human nature and our place the world, that the human mind can still carry around the idea that there is a supernatural ‘being’ somewhere ‘up there’ or ‘out there’, watching over us and from time to time intervening in the affairs of our lives. Such a notion is an indication of immaturity and a lack of knowledge (even basic knowledge) of the history and origin of god(s), goddesses and religion.

It is clearly understood by knowledgeable Theologians, biblical scholars, seminarians and many, if not most, church hierarchy, that all god(s) and goddesses are of human construct. That ‘reveled word’ is nothing more than a reflection of man’s highest ideals. The only people who do not understand these vital facts are the-people-in-the-pews. Why? Because of what the Rev. Dr. Jack Good calls, “The Dishonest Church” (Rising Star Press, 6/03), or what Bishop John Shelby Spong writes in “A New Christianity for a New World” (HarperSanFrancisco, 2001).

It is as if there were an invisible velvet curtain hanging between the pulpit and the pews. The-people-in-the-pews are being ‘fed’ the pabulum of their youth because the church does not know how to admit to it’s centuries of mis-information and abuse of privilege.

So long as we humans continue to rely on a non-existent supernatural ‘being’ to take care of our needs, we ignore our personal responsibility to ourselves and all of humankind. And as a species we will not grow to our full maturity.

Religions play a valuable role in society. They provide a place for teaching ethics and morals. They offer a much needed atmosphere of community. But if they are to continue to be a valuable resource for all humankind, they must begin to bring their dogma and their beliefs into the 21st century. As humans we need to begin to reconcile what we believe with what we know. If we do not, our churches, synagogues and mosques will soon become nothing more than havens for the uninformed and uneducated.