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Sun 29 Jan, 2006 06:43 pm
It's interesting to speculate what vacuum would be left if there *never* were religions.
You could start with some of the early disciplines, which were based at least initially (to some fair degree) on religion: architectures, arts, languages, weapons technology, astronomy all of which (and more) one might well argue religion propelled forward.
It can be argued that we have now outgrown the popular religions, but I am not convinced Man could have advanced at the clip and depth it did, without religions.
Albeit, I know one can argue that religions have also had a dampening force (some would assert severe) on progress, I am referring to religion's long term net effect, minus the last 200 - 300 years.
It's also interesting to speculate that if indeed man can (or will) leave the popular religions behind, what if anything is likely to replace it?
Why would it need to be replaced by anything?
There will always be plenty of different forces that either hinder or assist our development, religion is just one of those forces.
I think religion will always be here.
There will always be people who prefer the comfort of fantasy to the harsh reality of facts.
Caveat:
In the discussion (I am trying) to neither tacitly condone nor condemn religion per se. Understand I am suggesting an argument for discussion. It is on that basis that I move forward.
Eorl wrote:Why would it need to be replaced by anything?
Because of the historically "proven" need of many people for such things.
Eorl wrote:There will always be plenty of different forces that either hinder or assist our development, religion is just one of those forces.
Agreed, but that is not only self evident but not germane to my premises
Eorl wrote:I think religion will always be here.
In it's present form?
Eorl wrote:There will always be people who prefer the comfort of fantasy to the harsh reality of facts.
That may well be, but on what are you basing your views that it will be religions as we know it today (assuming you are doing so)?
Hey Momma!
Chumly, they won't be as they are today, they never were. Religion is always in flux. It shifts sometimes as a result of the wants and needs of the people, sometimes against. It also shifts as a result of our growing knowledge of the universe and again sometimes if moves with that knowledge and sometimes against it. Sometimes it only takes one man to move an entire chunk of a faith off in another direction.
Quote:
It's also interesting to speculate that if indeed man can (or will) leave the popular religions behind, what if anything is likely to replace it?
It is already all but replaced by consumer culture and media. The religious and the secular alike dance along to that same little tune.
replaced how? I hear this a lot but I don't see one as being a replacement for the other.
Eorl wrote:replaced how? I hear this a lot but I don't see one as being a replacement for the other.
Replaced in a sense of the reigns to the herd.
hmmm, maybe it's different where you are, but we have private media that is based on the advertising dollar and public media that is largely apolitical. Advertising certainly aims to "reign" but there is no overall objective or master plan at work as is the case with religion. In fact, in a capitalist system advertising works against itself through competition anyway. I don't think it's fair comparison at all. You'll have to explain it better if I'm to understand.
The speculation as to present day religion's replacement is cool. I would also like feedback on religion's long term net effect, minus the last 200 - 300 years.
Chumly wrote:You could start with some of the early disciplines, which were based at least initially (to some fair degree) on religion: architectures, arts, languages, weapons technology, astronomy all of which (and more) one might well argue religion propelled forward.
Albeit, I know one can argue that religions have also had a dampening force (some would assert severe) on progress, I am referring to religion's long term net effect, minus the last 200 - 300 years.
Doktor S wrote:Quote:
It's also interesting to speculate that if indeed man can (or will) leave the popular religions behind, what if anything is likely to replace it?
It is already all but replaced by consumer culture and media. The religious and the secular alike dance along to that same little tune.
Eorl,
This is how I understood what Dok said. It's been replaced in that religion has lost the original essence of promoting God or what are considered morals within christianity. Rather they have succumb to the worlds ways via the media and consumer culture to "further their cause" which more often than not seems to be their pocketbooks.
Did I get that right Dok?
Chumly wrote:The speculation as to present day religion's replacement is cool. I would also like feedback on religion's long term net effect, minus the last 200 - 300 years.
Take two Frank Herbert's, wash down with an Asimov and call me in the morning Chumly
That should answer all your questions.
Actually, I think we are aproaching a really interesting point in religious history (which for those present usually means a lot of death and slaughter).
Short term I see the world seperating more into either secular or religious states and people migrating accordingly. (Witness Palestine)
Medium term I think we will move more and more in a secular direction with increased education.
Long term...the dark ages will come and go...
Eorl wrote:Chumly wrote:The speculation as to present day religion's replacement is cool. I would also like feedback on religion's long term net effect, minus the last 200 - 300 years.
Take two Frank Herbert's, wash down with an Asimov and call me in the morning Chumly
That should answer all your questions.
Er....... not future history Eorl, wrong authors
Whaddayamean?
"Dune" and "Foundation" are both set far in the future, and both deal with religious growth and development.
I see a lot of things changing more drastically in the future. I see a lot of people being shocked when they realize who they really are and the things they've really done without realizing it. I'll stop there... LOL
LOL! Whooooooooo Good one Eorl!
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