Weird and Religious
The ancient Persians practised a ritual in which a dog was brought to look at a corpse. The gaze of the dog was believed to drive away evil forces associated with death. Dogs had a specific spiritual role in dealing with the dead.
Religious image of the day.
In the name of religion
1994, Hebron in the West Bank. Baruch Goldstein killed Muslim worshippers at the Ibrahimi Mosque site. He was influenced by extremist religious nationalist ideas. Supporters cast the attack as defence of Jews and a holy place, using religious identity to rationalise murder.
Fact
In Buddhism, monasteries function as centres of learning and practice, and Buddhism relies on these communities to preserve teachings and provide guidance.
Prophets or politicians?
What is striking is how ordinary prophets look once the divine coating is removed. They argue, negotiate, threaten, desire, and react like anyone else placed in a position of absolute authority. They are not moral outliers. They are power holders. The difference is that their power is framed as sacred rather than political, which makes it harder to resist and easier to abuse. Religion asks that these figures be admired, imitated, and obeyed. It discourages the most basic question of all. Why this person. Why this voice. Why these rules. Once those questions are allowed, the pattern becomes obvious. Gods do not choose messengers. Humans choose leaders, and some leaders learn that claiming a god is the most effective way to secure obedience.
Quote of the day
“So far as I can remember, there is not one word in the Gospels in praise of intelligence.” Bertrand Russell.
Ask the right question
Why do gods in scriptures sometimes change their mind, express regret or alter plans?
Religious Crooks
Peter Popoff is a faith healer who claimed divine revelations about people in his audience while using hidden radio earpieces to receive information, later declaring bankruptcy and then returning to television ministry selling “miracle” products.
For more information, google the name.
Every country in the world has its fair share of spiritual crooks.
If a real God existed, would he allow crooks to act on his behalf?