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
2021, Ethiopia, Tigray region. Although mainly ethnic and political, attacks on religious sites and identity occurred. Some actors used Orthodox Christian or Muslim identity rhetoric to mobilise supporters, framing struggle as defence of faith community amid war.
Fact
In Judaism, there is an expectation of a future age of peace, and Judaism includes hope for a messianic era of justice and restoration.
Before neurology
Dreams and altered states of consciousness reinforced religious ideas because the mind produced vivid experiences disconnected from the external world. Without an understanding of psychology or neurology, dreams appeared external and significant. They were interpreted as messages, warnings, or visitations, and gods became the authors of inner experiences that humans could not otherwise explain. The boundary between imagination and reality blurred easily in a world without scientific literacy, and this confusion strengthened belief by making the unseen feel tangible.
Quote of the day
“I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do, because I notice it always coincides with their own desires.” Susan B. Anthony.
Ask the right question
Why do gods described as beyond time and space so often display very human emotions like anger, jealousy and regret?
Religious Crooks
ESwami Premananda is a Hindu guru in India who ran an ashram and was convicted of rape and murder, with courts finding that spiritual status was used to control and abuse followers.
For more information, google the name.
Almost all of the crooks appearing in this section have their own wikipedia page.Every country in the world has its fair share of spiritual crooks.
History tells us that wherever fools gathered, there was always a religious crook to take advantage of them. The best way to stop the crooks is not to be a fool.