Can you be too religious?

[DanaC]

Giles Fraser, of the Guardian, asks the question: Can you be too religious?

Quite a thought provoking comment piece, I thought. So, given the subject of religion, in particular Christianity, has been a hot one in here just lately, I thought I'd post a little of it here.

He discusses religiosity as a concept, but the most interesting aspect is his view of Christianity.

Jesus spent much of his time laying into the pious and the holy and lambasting the religious professionals of his day. And this was not because he was anti-Jewish – as some superficial readings of his anti-Pharisee, anti-Sadducee, anti-Temple polemics would have it – but precisely because, as a Jew himself, he came out of that very Jewish prophetic tradition of fierce hostility to religiosity. Here, for instance, is the prophet Isaiah on feisty form.

'The multitude of your sacrifices – what are they to me? says the Lord.
I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. Stop bringing meaningless offerings!

Your incense is detestable to me. New moons, sabbaths and convocations – I cannot bear your worthless assemblies.'

This is the sort of theology to which Jesus looked for inspiration. And partly, it was this uncompromising anti-religiosity that got him nailed to a cross.

His concluding paragraph is a lovely piece of writing and, I think, nails what Christianity should be about. It certainly is more like the Christianity I grew up with than a lot of what I currently read and hear.

Of course, I'd say you cannot be too Christian. That's a different kettle of fish. And if "being too Christian" makes you think of Christian fundamentalists, I'd want to insist that they are simply not Christian enough. Indeed, that it's their lack of faith that makes them cling to a bogus form of certainty and literalism. Mostly, Christian fundamentalists worship a book. They like the safety of having pat answers. But this is just another form of idolatry of which the Hebrew scriptures regularly warn.

Worshipping a book and worshipping God are two totally different things. Falling down before a baby, with all the inversion of power that this implies, takes courage not intellectual suicide. It is about the world being turned upside-down, the mighty (including the religious mighty) being cast down and the weak being held up. It is about placing something other than oneself at the centre of the world. And no, I don't think there can be too much of this.

It's a really interesting read. The rest can be found here:

http://www.theguardian.com/commentis...eligious-jesus

[Sundae]

Bruce made me rethink my view on worship.
I realised that my problem was only with organised religion, not with people.

But my word I hear much more of hate than love from all the children of the book.
Not individual people.
Well.
Rarely.

Would I connect Rich Levy with Mossad?
My parents with the IRA?
Sameena on the Welcome Desk with Al Quaida?

So maybe it's the media. Dividing us makes better newsprint.
Until.
Until.
On a forum that welcomes everyone we find people who hate.
Or who hide behind religion to hate.
Or who use other people's religion to judge.
And that really does reflect the world so who am I to be all Pollyanna.

So much good is done in the name of Allah, Jehovah, God.
I have met some devout people that make even me, an committed atheist, want to ask for a blessing.
Not everyone is out for what they can get.

[richlevy]

Originally Posted by Sundae

Would I connect Rich Levy with Mossad?

You know, not to be too paranoid or anything, but why do I think that just by having that statement out there on the Internet, a small check mark was made in an electronic file somewhere? That there is some kind of counter that automatically produces a wiretap request when it hits 500.

Anyway, I divide religious people into two categories, those that mostly internalize religion and those that mostly externalize religion. Those that internalize religion apply the ethos and/or doctrine mostly to themselves, measuring their success in how they meet the ideals of there religion. Those that externalize religion measure their success in how they can encourage/cajole/coerce/judge others on how they meet the ideals of the individuals religion, even if the people being judged are not members of that religion. The categories can be subdivided into adherence to the spirit or the letter of religious law.

Gay marriage is a perfect example. The argument that by allowing gay marriage, heterosexual marriage is somehow being spoiled for it's adherents is an external religious argument. It's like saying that members of the middle class should not be allowed to own Mercedes automobiles because doing so would cheapen the experience for the wealthy. The short answer to the car argument is that if some rich people are a*holes enough to feel that way, then there is an almost moral imperative to f*k with them by making sure it happens. Works for the marriage argument too.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by richlevy

You know, not to be too paranoid or anything, but why do I think that just by having that statement out there on the Internet, a small check mark was made in an electronic file somewhere?

Not to worry, deep down in your heart you know they've already tagged the Cellar subversives. Just ask the flowerpot.

[JBKlyde]

oh you thought the preacher was telling the truth.. not any more...

[Sheldonrs]

To me, it's always seemed like any and all religeons have been used more as an excuse for bad behaviour.

I think the world would be a much better place if we just celebrated being good people instead of whichever icon happens to be telling you why you will go to hell.

[busterb]

I saw in the weelky wipe, that the bapist church has a new pastor. He also lives about 50 miles away an a money market man. Is there something wrong here, or just me???

Jesus died for your sins!!! Make it worth his time.

I guess I'll get the brimstone for that.

[JBKlyde]

yes you can be too religious.. when you start compromising the truth of God for rules taught by men, and start exchanging the the facts and replacing them with stupid little tradition, and then sell fortunes and pass them off as Godly principles you have gone too far..

[busterb]

Sometimes I wonder about you. Then again I don't.

[Gravdigr]

Originally Posted by busterb

Then again I don't.

Merry Christmas, Buster, that made my day!

[sexobon]

Ask not what religion can do for you; but, what you can do for religion.


Shameless aren't I.

[footfootfoot]

No, you cannot possibly be too religious.

I've got the petrol, did you bring the rags and corks?

[JBKlyde]

No, you cannot possibly be too religious.

well unfortunately "wicca" which is like "Satan Worship" is considered religion as well.. so when all the homo's start getting divorced and if you don't think they will your a total fool(( because obviously America can't even get right the right way)) and start tuning on the Pope and worshiping the devil "there father".. mark my word you will see religion go to far as it already has but much worse it will get..

[DanaC]

And we're back with the obsession with homosexuality again.

[JBKlyde]

http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/...-conservatives


and if you think I'm getting nowhere think again