Do you find meaning and value in your
received religious tradition?
Is every aspect of that tradition valid?
Do you interpret all of its doctrines literally?
Do alternative traditions lack meaning and value?
Is every aspect of that tradition valid?
Do you interpret all of its doctrines literally?
Do alternative traditions lack meaning and value?
Inheritance of a tradition is an
accident of birth. No tradition is either unchanging or unaffected by others.
Each tradition is an attempt to formulate the truth. Human understanding
interprets reality and life and alleged revelations about them. We need to know
what is real and how to live and interpretation is necessary. Traditions can be
expected to contain insights and errors. Traditions differ so cannot all be
right but some might approach the truth more closely than others.
Ancient traditions must now be compared
not only with each other but also with modern scientific knowledge. We commend
those who applied observation and reason instead of just accepting tradition and
authority. Now that the world is understood scientifically, what do religious
traditions transmit that is of value? Myths, histories, art, literature and
moral teachings.
"Myth" means either "falsehood" or "meaningful story". We value
Greek and Hindu myths. Christianity dramatises, but also historicises, the myth
of death and resurrection. That both myth and history matter is an insight. That
the resurrection is not only mythical but also historical is an error, I think.
Dialogue is possible with some though not all Christians.
Buddhist traditions also transmit
non-theistic philosophies and meditative techniques. Neo-Pagan traditions also
transmit respect for natural processes and celebration of seasonal changes. We
must not throw out the baby with the bath water but we must distinguish between
them.
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