Posted: Apr 17, 08 10:22pm
I was reading something recently where it was observed that about half of the world thinks thinks the metaphors of their religion are facts, and the other half call themselves atheists because the myths are lies.
It seems that neither are correct.
Religious people don't seem to understand that their religion consists of metaphors. Their spirituality [faith] demands they cling to something as a fact, when common sense would indicate otherwise. We no longer live in a dark world of illiteracy devoid of scientific knowledge. Religious people ignore all of the evidence around them that the myths of their religion cannot possibly be historical facts.
Atheists on the other hand, see that these myths can't be supported by evidence and are therefore lies.
What neither group understands, is the nature of myth.
Myth provides a control system for how we should order our lives. In every culture myths provide the prescription for every significant event in each stage of life from birth to death. They give us the rites of passage from one stage to another. Why a tribesman in Africa is circumcised upon reaching puberty is described perfectly in the mythology that they have developed to explain their place in the universe. Their mythology describes marriage ceremony, burial rites, etc.
Mythology also tells us how we should treat others, work, love, sleep, eat, and solve problems. The myths serve as a metaphor for life. All religions serve the same function.
They are not lies they are metaphors. The teachings and prescriptions may be revealed in story or parable, but the teachings themselves are valid prescriptions to the people of that mythology. A morality that one should follow to have a 'proper life', cannot be a lie. "Thou shalt not kill" is not a lie, its a teaching, a moral, a value, a way that a person should live. Where this teaching came from, and how man acquired it, says nothing about the value of the prescription.
Atheists have many valid concerns. When a mythology prescribes violence or intolerance, our morality is offended. When a mythology holds ignorance as transcendant, and teaches antipathy and hopelessness, then we are offended.
Telling someone their metaphor for life is a lie doesn't solve the conflict, even if the charge is accepted. It is the prescription that must be challenged. The prescription that teaches that life is meaningless, hopeless, and that by being pious and impoverished one can attain transcendence is the belief that should be challenged.
A meaningless life where people commit all sorts of cruel acts in the name of a God, so that they may reach paradise is what must be challenged,
I wrote this in the little TBD editor, and reserve the right to revise this post after I've seen it in larger print! :)
