Weird and Religious
In some Central African traditions, certain masks used in ceremonies are not seen as costumes but as living spiritual beings once worn. The wearer is believed to disappear as a person and become the spirit represented by the mask, with a different voice and authority.
Religious image of the day.
In the name of religion
1862, Minnesota in the United States. During the Dakota War, violence included attacks on settlers and reprisals. While driven by land and survival, some Christian rhetoric portrayed events as divine judgement or a struggle between civilisation and heathenism, shaping justification on both sides.
Fact
In Zoroastrianism, belief centres on one supreme deity called Ahura Mazda, and Zoroastrianism teaches that this being represents truth, light, and wisdom.
On prophets
Every religion has its prophet(s). Once established, prophetic authority becomes self-reinforcing. Followers reinterpret contradictions as wisdom. Failed predictions are reframed. Moral flaws are excused as divine mystery. Violence becomes justice. Obedience becomes virtue. The prophet is protected from ordinary judgement because questioning him becomes equivalent to questioning god. This insulation is essential. Without it, the system collapses quickly.
Quote of the day
“In religion and politics people’s beliefs and convictions are in almost every case gotten at second hand, and without examination.” Mark Twain.
Ask the right question
If revelation is clear, why do legal and moral systems based on scripture require endless interpretation?
Religious Crooks
Wayne Bent, also known as Michael Travesser, led a small apocalyptic Christian sect, claimed prophetic authority, and exercised strict control over followers’ lives and resources, later convicted on charges involving minors within the group.
For more information, google the name.
Every country in the world has its fair share of spiritual crooks.
Religion is supposed to bring morality but it also seem to bring a lot of crooks who take advantage of people.