A. Ben-Shema
Active Member
With the present situation of religious hatred literally exploding across the world, and religious terror organizations emerging on every continent, perhaps now the time has finally arrived for us to examine, expose and eliminate the many false beliefs and erroneous traditions which have accumulated in all the worlds religions. Various elements of Truth can still be found amongst the teachings and beliefs of most religions, but sadly, no religion represents or reveals the whole Truth. The ultimate (Spiritual) Truth, by definition, is singular. The fact that there are so many religions, each split into numerous sects, creeds and parties, indicates that very many (all?) sincere and dedicated believers must therefore be somewhat misguided!
In order to discover the truth of any matter one must observe all the available evidence in an unbiased way. However, every human being is indoctrinated and prejudiced since early childhood by various ethnic ideologies and customs, which include various forms and degrees of religious, political and social traditions and dogmas. For instance, those who are raised in a Muslim environment are just as likely to believe in the uniquely perfect truth of Islam, as are those brought up under Christian influences likely to claim for Christianity.[1] It should therefore be clear that no fervent member of any religious group is in a position to make a realistic and unbiased observation of the facts. Only genuine, sincere and open-minded seekers will have any chance of discovering the whole Truth.
One example of the dogmatic errors and plain ignorance displayed by so-called orthodox religions is the case of Galileo, who was threatened with torture and excommunication by the supposed Christian Inquisition unless he repented of his errors and heresies, namely his theory that the Earth was not at the centre of the universe. This was not even a theological issue! Today this story seems almost unbelievable practically prehistoric but it happened only a few short centuries ago. This is by no means an isolated case; countless thousands have been murdered throughout history at the bloody hands of various self-righteous orthodoxies for similar heretical crimes.
Once again, it must be emphasized that it is absolutely essential to have an open mind if one genuinely desires to know the Truth. To stubbornly cling to traditional beliefs and arrogantly ignore all further facts and revelations is exactly what many Jews did at the time of Jesus (e.g. the scribes (= religious scholars); the Sadducees (= aristocratic, authoritarian, materialistic, priestly, literalists); and the Pharisees (= popular, self-righteous, conservative theologians / philosophers) who are all so much criticized in the pages of the New Testament. The problem with all these types then, as today is their stubborn arrogance and pride. It is reported that Jesus said, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven. (MATT.18:3). In other words, anyone wishing to understand the Truth must first cleanse their mind of all indoctrinated religious beliefs, pride, and prejudice, and be completely open and ready to listen and learn afresh, like little children.
------
Footnotes:
[1] This religious phenomenon of dogmatically claiming unique superiority (e.g. the chosen status) is similar to that immature tendency of children who claim that their own father / mother / family is superior to others; or the adult susceptibility to nationalistic pride (i.e. patriotism) and racial prejudice.
------
Quoted from the introduction to my book.
Peace & Love
In order to discover the truth of any matter one must observe all the available evidence in an unbiased way. However, every human being is indoctrinated and prejudiced since early childhood by various ethnic ideologies and customs, which include various forms and degrees of religious, political and social traditions and dogmas. For instance, those who are raised in a Muslim environment are just as likely to believe in the uniquely perfect truth of Islam, as are those brought up under Christian influences likely to claim for Christianity.[1] It should therefore be clear that no fervent member of any religious group is in a position to make a realistic and unbiased observation of the facts. Only genuine, sincere and open-minded seekers will have any chance of discovering the whole Truth.
One example of the dogmatic errors and plain ignorance displayed by so-called orthodox religions is the case of Galileo, who was threatened with torture and excommunication by the supposed Christian Inquisition unless he repented of his errors and heresies, namely his theory that the Earth was not at the centre of the universe. This was not even a theological issue! Today this story seems almost unbelievable practically prehistoric but it happened only a few short centuries ago. This is by no means an isolated case; countless thousands have been murdered throughout history at the bloody hands of various self-righteous orthodoxies for similar heretical crimes.
Once again, it must be emphasized that it is absolutely essential to have an open mind if one genuinely desires to know the Truth. To stubbornly cling to traditional beliefs and arrogantly ignore all further facts and revelations is exactly what many Jews did at the time of Jesus (e.g. the scribes (= religious scholars); the Sadducees (= aristocratic, authoritarian, materialistic, priestly, literalists); and the Pharisees (= popular, self-righteous, conservative theologians / philosophers) who are all so much criticized in the pages of the New Testament. The problem with all these types then, as today is their stubborn arrogance and pride. It is reported that Jesus said, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven. (MATT.18:3). In other words, anyone wishing to understand the Truth must first cleanse their mind of all indoctrinated religious beliefs, pride, and prejudice, and be completely open and ready to listen and learn afresh, like little children.
------
Footnotes:
[1] This religious phenomenon of dogmatically claiming unique superiority (e.g. the chosen status) is similar to that immature tendency of children who claim that their own father / mother / family is superior to others; or the adult susceptibility to nationalistic pride (i.e. patriotism) and racial prejudice.
------
Quoted from the introduction to my book.
Peace & Love
