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4.0.0 Religion - OverviewVersion 1.4 November 2016 (Previous Version) In religion, most of what we know, that is, what the religious scholars know, is not known by religious followers. This includes the historical accuracy of the traditions and texts and the breadth of religious philosophical analyses. Scholars are typically 50 years ahead of most clerics, and clerics are 50 years ahead of most parishioners. The known knowns are not well known at all. In religion, the known unknowns are legion: we don't know for certain almost everything religious. This uncertainty leads some to cling too much to faith, to make unwarranted leaps on thin grounds. In religion, the unknown unknowns are sometimes seen as a source of wonder rather than concern. ------------------------- The introduction has a summary of our conclusions on religion, in less than 100 words (see 0.3.4). The slightly longer overview below covers the same conclusions in slightly more detail. Part 4 Religion: Conclusions (long version 1.4 November 2016) The traditional indigenous, contemplative and theistic religions can all provide useful insights but we need to be selective in what we choose to guide our behaviour: ● Philosophy tells there is no reason to believe in god(s), other supernatural beings, life after death, heaven, hell, reincarnation or karma, but life can still be worthwhile. ● We obtain core values from choices clarified by philosophy, not religion. Derived and effecting values, from science and history, help us to realize core values. We learn about ancillary values, such as courage and duty, from studying history. ● We cannot believe, or follow, any religion based on literal interpretations of any sacred text or fixed dogma. We need to understand and interpret the sacred texts. ● Each sacred text has its own set of admirable sections and regrettable sections. Religious followers choose which bits to take seriously, and we can do the same. There are many good stories to keep, but many ugly ones to criticize and reject. ● Similarly, all religions have rituals and practices to lead us to, and keep us on, the “true” path, and we must choose, based on our core values, which to keep, which to adapt and which to abandon. ● We can take from religion an appreciation of the deep human need for a universal narrative that defines our part in the world, provides a sense of meaning and purpose, helps to overcome our sense of insignificance and our suffering, and provides exemplary models of behaviour and encourages selfless service to others. ● The best of religion provides us with examples of an attitude to life, found through contemplation, daily rituals and other practices, that enable us to live life more fully, more compassionately, more selflessly, more contentedly, and a variety of stories we can share that help us to express, explain and explore these values. ● Religions also provide a sense of community, unity, companionship and security that almost all humans desire and need, and we must ensure these needs aren’t ignored and can be satisfied by whatever system of beliefs and values that replaces them. Our understanding of religion, and the stories and lessons we take that express our values, will be revised as we learn more. more The next few pages give an overview of religious methods and practices, pantheism and polytheism, eastern religions, western religions and modern responses to these traditional religions.
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We acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of Country, throughout all colonised lands, and their connections to land, waters and community. We pay respect by giving voice to truth, values and social justice, acknowledging our shared history, and valuing the cultures of first nations peoples.
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