I would like to genuinely subscribe to the second rabbit hole sometime, whether here or if you have another more appropriate comm. I have had similar musings regarding the effectiveness of religion in dictating behavior at scale, and also feel that a better pragmatic humanity where common sense altruism rules the day and dignity of existence is secured for all can only be achieved by tapping into religion, instead of only seeking to distance from it.
It’s simply too entrenched a thing in our collective psyche going back to explaining the shadows lightning made on the cave walls, religion. If such a tool could be turned towards the same purpose described in your message…
My issue was that I couldn’t escape the fact that so much of what seemed to make a strong foundational dogma that historically lasted, was based on unsavory elements like punishment-based reinforcement, The othering of all competing groups, and often heaping doses of sexism. The belief in the supernatural is also pervasive but not strictly required I learned, though personally I’m not bothered by it if it could be put to good use, that’s the whole point of this hypothetical belief system.
But yeah.
I’m by no means a theologian, my research didn’t get very far before I got discouraged on the thought experiment.
But I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on the matter, and if you have any prepared ideas to combat the worst aspects of religion in a hypothetical version turned towards the “genuine greater good”, odd as that feels to write.
I would like to genuinely subscribe to the second rabbit hole sometime, whether here or if you have another more appropriate comm. I have had similar musings regarding the effectiveness of religion in dictating behavior at scale, and also feel that a better pragmatic humanity where common sense altruism rules the day and dignity of existence is secured for all can only be achieved by tapping into religion, instead of only seeking to distance from it.
It’s simply too entrenched a thing in our collective psyche going back to explaining the shadows lightning made on the cave walls, religion. If such a tool could be turned towards the same purpose described in your message…
My issue was that I couldn’t escape the fact that so much of what seemed to make a strong foundational dogma that historically lasted, was based on unsavory elements like punishment-based reinforcement, The othering of all competing groups, and often heaping doses of sexism. The belief in the supernatural is also pervasive but not strictly required I learned, though personally I’m not bothered by it if it could be put to good use, that’s the whole point of this hypothetical belief system.
But yeah.
I’m by no means a theologian, my research didn’t get very far before I got discouraged on the thought experiment.
But I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on the matter, and if you have any prepared ideas to combat the worst aspects of religion in a hypothetical version turned towards the “genuine greater good”, odd as that feels to write.