Within every perceived problem the lies the implicit question, why? And in our pursuit of truth it is in the succession of whys we find the opportunity for growth. It is not the truth that holds us back, but error, misperception, lack of perspective and ignorance. It is so interesting to me that it is not the error itself that most condemns us, but the fact that we so often are unwilling to admit the possibility that we are wrong, or go to such great lengths to cover-up the error in judgment or moral lapse. And this reality is no less true of institutions and group consciousness than it is of the individual.
Thus it is no mystery why civil discourse is so rare on topics that touch on the areas of religion and politics. And by extension it is therefore not surprising that the nations, cultures, and religions of the world are, and always have been, sharply divided. So we might ask, does this mean that human civilization is forever trapped in the cycle of ignorance, attack, and recriminations? From the macro perspective, and in the light of human history, it does indeed seem the situation is hopeless.
And so we ask why? What is it in human nature that prevents the vast majority of individuals, institutions, religious communities, and societies in general from real progress and growth? My view is that it is the emotion of fear that is the primary factor underlying the failure of individuals and societies to advance. While lack of trust and moral virtue are very significant factors, it is arguably the case that even these are symptoms of fear.
In our discussions on the subject of religion and faith the element of fear therefore should not be underestimated. One might reasonably argue that the fear of death is the foundation of all other fears, and it follows that any perceived threat to the ways and means that human beings use to cope with this fear will be vigorously opposed.
Our worldview is the primary mechanism that we use for deriving meaning from the chaos and uncertainty that are cold realities of the world. Our worldview is consists of the whole structure and array of belief that we as individuals construct for these purposes. This system of belief is, in a way, like a house of cards. Even a slight disruption of one or two cards can create a state of instability in the entire system. Thus, in practical terms, if any of our political or religious views are called into question, the stability of our entire system of belief is potentially at risk.
Is this fear of the stability of our belief system based on a realistic assessment of the facts or is it primarily a fear of the unknown?
Thus it is no mystery why civil discourse is so rare on topics that touch on the areas of religion and politics. And by extension it is therefore not surprising that the nations, cultures, and religions of the world are, and always have been, sharply divided. So we might ask, does this mean that human civilization is forever trapped in the cycle of ignorance, attack, and recriminations? From the macro perspective, and in the light of human history, it does indeed seem the situation is hopeless.
And so we ask why? What is it in human nature that prevents the vast majority of individuals, institutions, religious communities, and societies in general from real progress and growth? My view is that it is the emotion of fear that is the primary factor underlying the failure of individuals and societies to advance. While lack of trust and moral virtue are very significant factors, it is arguably the case that even these are symptoms of fear.
In our discussions on the subject of religion and faith the element of fear therefore should not be underestimated. One might reasonably argue that the fear of death is the foundation of all other fears, and it follows that any perceived threat to the ways and means that human beings use to cope with this fear will be vigorously opposed.
Our worldview is the primary mechanism that we use for deriving meaning from the chaos and uncertainty that are cold realities of the world. Our worldview is consists of the whole structure and array of belief that we as individuals construct for these purposes. This system of belief is, in a way, like a house of cards. Even a slight disruption of one or two cards can create a state of instability in the entire system. Thus, in practical terms, if any of our political or religious views are called into question, the stability of our entire system of belief is potentially at risk.
Is this fear of the stability of our belief system based on a realistic assessment of the facts or is it primarily a fear of the unknown?
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