Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Christianity - likened to a ladder

Christianity (and religion in general) can be understood at many levels. The various levels can be likened to the rungs on a ladder. The lowest rung can be thought of as an immature level of understanding and the top rung a mature level of understanding.

The most immature level of believer, believes in a literal interpretation of the Bible and other Christian (religious) dogma. This level believes in a God that is supernatural in nature, one that resides ‘up there’ or ‘out there’ and from time to time invades the world to invoke His own will. This level of understanding also believes in the literal virgin birth and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, and believes that Jesus literally died to save humankind from sin. At this immature level, the adherent believes that the written authority of the religion (i.e. the Bible, Torah, Quran) was literally written or inspired by a God.

The most mature level of believer, understands that all religious writings and all Gods/Goddesses of all religions are of human construct. The origin of which can be found in a cursory study of the early history of the human species. At a macro level it is understood that (any) religion is a tool, instituted and used to control social behavior. At a micro level religious adherence provides comfort and support to the individual believer.

The rungs between represent the many variations expressed in denominational creeds and beliefs. However, there are potentially as many rungs (i.e. understandings of religion) as there are religious adherents.

An individual believer is able to understand religion at the level (or rung) where he/she stands, and most likely understands the levels below where he/she stands. A person may also understand some of the level immediately above where he/she stands. However, he/she is likely to label as heretic or atheist, anyone expressing an understanding that is two or more rungs above his/her own level of understanding.

The ability of an individual, to move (upward) toward a more mature understanding of religion is limited only by the individual’s appetite and desire to study the historical origins of God(s) and religion(s). Without such a desire to learn, the individual, and society as well, will forever remain below the level of a fully mature understanding of religion.

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