Any Value to Religious Texts? (Jesus, ritual, translation, doctrine)

[Isabella Lecour]

What if any value is placed on other religious holy texts by Neo-Pagans?

I was wondering. I've been studying several Hindu texts, the Bhagavad Gita and a smaller translation of the Upanishads. I've noticed a similar traits in the texts and in the way and form of Wicca in its early roots. Has anyone noticed anything similar?

Does any Pagan here (and willing to answer) use holy texts as a part of their spiritual studies? How so and perhaps why?

Isabella

[Prima]

Lots and lots and lots of value! I think the Pagan gets a special perspective on them because we're able to see what's beautiful and worthwhile without being bogged down by doctrine. Similarly, we can incorporate what we want from what we study.

I like studying any text I can get my hands on, honestly. I like to use concepts and ideas from them - Jesus's parables are great ways to illustrate points, and they really help with understanding. There are beautiful comparisons and stories in many religious texts, and I think they enrich the pagan mind and understanding.

[Isabella Lecour]

The only objection that I've ever run into,reguarding the study of religious texts is that it's too easy to read religious texts without the benfit of the cultural context. I amit that is the case with texts based in cultures long past and/or in cultures that I have little understanding and contact with. Would this present a problem for the Pagan or is it a benifit?

Isabella

[Prima]

Honestly, I think it's easier for us pagans to read with historical context - or at least to be open to it. Those who follow the religion often shy away from historical context. We're kind of the objective observers of the religion world

[kreeden]

Originally Posted by Isabella Lecour

The only objection that I've ever run into,reguarding the study of religious texts is that it's too easy to read religious texts without the benfit of the cultural context. I amit that is the case with texts based in cultures long past and/or in cultures that I have little understanding and contact with. Would this present a problem for the Pagan or is it a benifit?

Isabella

I have wondered the same thing . And have not gotten into the far Eastern writtings very depply for that very reason .

But this is interesting as I have just send off an e-mail to a friend on this same topic . I believe that there is only one Path , really . All of the Religions in the World tell about that same Path . Why do they appear so diffent then ? Because each is describing that Path as seen by each individual from each culture . Just as each person who reads the Book would relate to it a little different , each Book relates to the Path differently .

Think of the Chakras . Then see how each Religion relates to them .... even if the Religion doesn't relate directly to them .

But then , I'm not sure if I would call myself a Pagan ? But I think that I'm as Pagan as I am anything .

[Prima]

But then , I'm not sure if I would call myself a Pagan ? But I think that I'm as Pagan as I am anything

Heehee, that's exactly what I thought when posting!

[Duwayitheru]

I also love the Bhagavad Gita, and the entire epic Mahabharata from which it it from. The Uddhava Gita (also from Mahabharata), and the epic Ramayana are wonderful as well. (I also chant on a mala as well. Hinduism is a beautiful religion.)

My own sacred texts are those from ancient Egypt. The "book of the dead" being one of the more well known ones. However, I try to read sacred texts from as many religions as I can, they have always been interesting and important to my personal growth.

[michel]

Good for you - there is great value in reading sacred texts from other religions - if for no other reason than to understand the followers better.

[Draka]

Originally Posted by kreeden

But this is interesting as I have just send off an e-mail to a friend on this same topic . I believe that there is only one Path , really . All of the Religions in the World tell about that same Path . Why do they appear so diffent then ? Because each is describing that Path as seen by each individual from each culture . Just as each person who reads the Book would relate to it a little different , each Book relates to the Path differently .

Kreeden have you been reading my mind again? I have said much the same thing many times here on RF. That is exactly what I believe and have tried to convey many times, unfortunately many people are unwilling to see that as even a possibility.

As for religious texts...I think that the majority of them are very much alike in their basic teachings...the wordings and cultural leanings in them are what makes them interesting.

[michel]

Well, I for one, agree with you Draka - in principle, but not, of course, in detail.


If you stand well back, and take the stance that the main religions believe in a merciful God who loves his 'Children' - and who wants to see them live in harmony and peace, you could include most of them under the same umbvrella.

It is as though the major religions developed from the same starting point, but were then given personal identities to each race, through the evolution of that race, which would be perfectly understandable.

We should not fight each other - we should find common grounds on which to agree - and Pope Benedict XVI seems to be trying to do just that - by holding out his hand to other nations.