Protecting Faith

[darkendless]

As you all know there are movies like the Da Vinci code which shed dark light upon the higher orders of Christianity.

I was wondering what your thoughts are on the lengths to which the faithful would go to protect religion. Do people die when they uncover mysteries surrounding Christianity, just like the slaughter of Pagan's in the days of Emperor Constantine, the slaughter of the Templars, as well as other less common events?

Thoughts?

[cardero]

One of the biggest differences between belief and faith (for those that are playing at home) is that faith needs to be defended, beliefs don't. All beliefs need to be, is concluded and any organization that abuses belief with faith should be carefully, cautiously examined along with their other "fruits".

[darkendless]

Originally Posted by cardero

One of the biggest differences between belief and faith (for those that are playing at home) is that faith needs to be defended, beliefs don't. All beliefs need to be, is concluded and any organization that abuses belief with faith should be carefully, cautiously examined along with their other "fruits".

Then why not examine major religions, is everyone who did this 6 feet under?

I mean, why do these things need to be protected, are the old ways that important. Should we restrict the future of humanity to keep touch with the past?

[cardero]

Originally Posted by darkendless

Then why not examine major religions, is everyone who did this 6 feet under?

This may be because of fear.

darkendless writes: I mean, why do these things need to be protected, are the old ways that important. Should we restrict the future of humanity to keep touch with the past?

These are good questions. One of the biggest misunderstandings religions practice is the possessiveness of beliefs. They believe that they own these beliefs or at least the organization of their philosophical systems. This is also a part of belief abuse. Instead of receiving the enlightenment that only the conclusion of a belief can provide, many religions prefer to protect them in the purpose of holding onto to their followers who could just assume reasoning, comparing and concluding their beliefs on their own when their religious leaders fail to provide worthy answers to their organization's hopeful teachings.

[spiritually inclined]

When people want to "protect" religion it is because they want to maintain authority and tradition of some kind. This underlies all the evil that people use religion for.

James

[9-10ths_Penguin]

Originally Posted by darkendless

As you all know there are movies like the Da Vinci code which shed dark light upon the higher orders of Christianity.

Before you place too much weight on the Da Vinci Code, you should remember that it's a work of fiction. It uses the names of some real organizations, but Dan Brown is explicit that it's not meant to be taken as literally true. From the FAQ on his web site:

HOW MUCH OF THIS NOVEL IS TRUE?
The Da Vinci Code is a novel and therefore a work of fiction. While the book's characters and their actions are obviously not real, the artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals depicted in this novel all exist (for example, Leonardo Da Vinci's paintings, the Gnostic Gospels, Hieros Gamos, etc.). These real elements are interpreted and debated by fictional characters. While it is my belief that some of the theories discussed by these characters may have merit, each individual reader must explore these characters' viewpoints and come to his or her own interpretations. My hope in writing this novel was that the story would serve as a catalyst and a springboard for people to discuss the important topics of faith, religion, and history.

BUT DOESN'T THE NOVEL'S "FACT" PAGE CLAIM THAT EVERY SINGLE WORD IN THIS NOVEL IS HISTORICAL FACT?
If you read the "FACT" page, you will see it clearly states that the documents, rituals, organization, artwork, and architecture in the novel all exist. The "FACT" page makes no statement whatsoever about any of the ancient theories discussed by fictional characters. Interpreting those ideas is left to the reader.

Originally Posted by darkendless

I was wondering what your thoughts are on the lengths to which the faithful would go to protect religion. Do people die when they uncover mysteries surrounding Christianity, just like the slaughter of Pagan's in the days of Emperor Constantine, the slaughter of the Templars, as well as other less common events?

Since those events are easy enough to find out about by anyone who cares to go to any public library, I doubt very much that anyone's going around killing people for spreading knowledge about them.

[Scuba Pete]

Originally Posted by darkendless

As you all know there are movies like the Da Vinci code which shed dark light upon the higher orders of Christianity.

It did? I thought it was a great movie and portrayed men's fears and inadequacies.

Originally Posted by darkendless

I was wondering what your thoughts are on the lengths to which the faithful would go to protect religion.

They are not "faithful" but fearful and ignorant if they feel they have to "protect" Christianity with violence. It's a contradiction of being known for your love.

[tomspug]

Originally Posted by darkendless

As you all know there are movies like the Da Vinci code which shed dark light upon the higher orders of Christianity.