Weird and Religious
In Ethiopia, the Beta Israel Jewish community preserved ancient religious practices for centuries in isolation, including unique interpretations of biblical law and ritual purity rules that differed from mainstream Judaism.
Religious image of the day.
In the name of religion
622 to 630, Arabian Peninsula. Early Muslim community conflicts under Muhammad included battles such as Badr and the conquest of Mecca. Fighting was justified in Islamic terms as defence of the Muslim community, struggle against persecution, and establishing God’s rule over society and sacred space.
Fact
In Christianity, obedience to God’s will is emphasised, and Christianity links this to following the moral and spiritual guidance found in scripture and the example of Jesus.
Pleasing gods
To frightened humans, nature appeared indifferent and dangerous. Rain arrived too late or not at all. Drought starved communities. Floods destroyed fields. Animals bred or failed unpredictably. Humans responded by personifying these forces. If nature behaved like a mind, it could be influenced like one. Sacrifice, praise, ritual, and obedience emerged as bargaining chips. The logic was simple and deeply human. If a god controlled rain, then pleasing that god might bring rain. If a god governed fertility, then offerings might produce children and crops. The belief did not need to work. It needed to feel actionable.
Quote of the day
“Religion is like a glowworm. It needs darkness to shine.” Arthur Schopenhauer.
Ask the right question
Why do religious conversion experiences occur in every religion and point in different directions?
Religious Crooks
Father Yod, born James Baker, led the Source Family in the United States, presenting himself as a spiritual master while running businesses staffed by followers, with accounts describing communal control of members’ earnings and assets.
For more information, google the name.
Every country in the world has its fair share of spiritual crooks.
Throughout history and still to this day, there has never been a shortage of religious leaders who were not always following their own spiritual advice.