Anyone, who has ever, dabbled, in Religion, eventually begins, to compare them. There are some, who get caught up, in the politics of it all, and become fanatics, of one kind, or another. There are however, those of us, who get the gist, of it all; that different religions, tend to have, different, conceptions, of God. Happened to browse, through a book, about different conceptions of God once, which I found, kinda interesting, but wound up, buying it, for someone else.
Below, are some, of the different Conceptions, of God, that make Religion today, a very political matter. If understood, probably, peace on earth, for all time. Who knows.
Japan: God as many Beings
Japan, is an interesting nation, when it comes, to dealing, with Religion. Most people, just don't know much, about, Japanese Religiousity. They fail, to know, due to the Japanese themselves, that Japanese people, practice, different religions, all at one go. There is Zen, Japanese Buddhism, Shintoism, and other stuff, we probably haven't heard about. It's easy, to understand, Japanese Religiousity, at the ground level, but not, at the abstract level. Zen, is used, to deal with, social issues; Japanese Buddhism, with political issues and Shintoism, with economic issues. The very fact, that the Japanese Premier-ship, is associated with Shintoism, tells one, what the Japanese Government, is all about. But thats, at the ground level. At the abstract level, Japanese Religiousity, is associated, with God, manifesting, as many Beings. Many have probably seen, Japanese Religious masks, not knowing, they represent, the different faces, of God. This is all too easy. If you can, fold your face, into a similar, facial expression, as any of those masks, you somewhat readily, access, certain 'powers', that make you, God-like. Its that simple; folding ones face, is not. Different faces, different 'powers'. Its a form of worship, where one calls upon, God, from within. Each of these faces, is associated, with different religions. In reality, the Japanese, are capable of having, probably hundreds, of different religions. Its interestingly crazy like that. I do know though, that Japanese Religiousity, has something to do, with Complexity theory. Haven't made the connection yet though.
Asia: God as a Fatherly Being
This is one, of the oldest, conceptions, of God, out there. There was a time, when all Religions, were the same, and thats because, they used this conception, of God. They were not really the same, but more like similar. This is because, one can conceive God, as a Fatherly Being, in many ways. You can have a belief in God, being very much, like a traditional father. Do everything he says, and all will go well, in your life. With this model, one was required to pray often, and be dutiful, in performing, acts of kindness. When one fell into trouble, they confidently, prayed to God, for intervention. Sit back, and let God, do all the work. I used this model, in my early childhood, until I discovered, that good things, did happen to me, even when i was not constant, in prayer. Bad thing happened, i prayed, and all was fine. Despite being an old conception of God, it still has potential, as a Fatherly Being, can be conceived, in many ways. You can have, a biblical father, like that of the prodigal son fame or, a strict Dad, like a Chinese Dad, or even, conceive God, as Al Bundy. It could all work, with support from all.
Africa: God as an Intelligent Being
This might sound amazing, to many, as Africa, is not a continent, many associate, with intelligence. The key to understanding this, is really about understanding, how one converses, with African Gods. African Gods, tend to be of the Trickster variety. Unknown to many, you do not talk, to Trickster Gods, in a question-answer format, they don't get it. When you approach an African God, be aware, that they think, all humans dumb. What this means, is that what they say, should be taken, with a grain of salt. They say things, to see, how dumb you are. Lets say, you have a can of soup, you want opened, and have no idea how to do so, and you therefore, turn, to an African God; they will not give you an answer, they will say something like, "Why don't we try using a mallet, and see what happens." Thats not an answer, they just want to see, how dumb you are. Many people don't know this, due to their belief, that African Gods, are like the Africans they meet. Many a time, if you ask an African something, you get an answer. Usually, a straight one. Its one of the reasons, there are hundreds of African Gods, as many unknowing Africans, turn from one to another, seeking the one, they can put all their faith in.
Europe: God as Love/Pity
The European conception of God, is one of the most known, having been made, very popular, by Hollywood. There are, three varieties, of European Christianity: English, French and Italian. Each conceives God, slightly differently. Take the English for example, they live, in a very social world, where people try, to fit in, all the time. Occasionally though, a person, will appear, to be better or worse, than the others. If better, they might walk around, saying to themselves: "Why do they hate me so much, for being me;tsk............poor me." If worse, they might say, "Poor me, why do they treat me so bad." English Christianity, is associated, with seeing the light. Any of the two persons, might be walking around, before they are struck, with the truth really, on how to fit in. Many a time, this truth, often appears, in the form of a book; the book, that will change ones life. I have been acquainted, with this form of Christianity, in my social days, and today, I own, a number of books, some, many, having being bought, while wandering through bookshops, in various cities, looking for the one; the book, that would change my life. The English social scene, is one, where, its participants, battle each other, and at any moment, either, appearing to be pitiful, and this going on, until a compromise, is reached; they both see the light. This form of Christianity, has also very much, been associated, with apparitions. You then have French Christianity. French Christianity, is not the most simplest, to explain. It involves, becoming an ideal figure. A young man, arrives, in Paree, and with time, walks around, with the following attitude: "Pity me, nobody knows me." It is then, he realizes, that if he became, an ideal figure, a symbol of truth, people would know him. He then sets out, to be a Musketeer. It is while, training to become, a Musketeer, that he realizes, that the training is hard, and arduous. With time, he develops, the following mentality: "Pity me, I just won't make it." But with Gods love, he makes it through. He is now a Musketeer, and he walks around, looking all proud and meaningful, before he discovers, that while people like Musketeers, they don't really like them. He discovers this, after having sworn allegiance to the Queen, that a number of citizens, wish to invade the palace, and basically, overthrow, the Queen. He rushes to the Gates, of the Palace, and with other Musketeers, is cornered somewhat, as they all seek, to control the mob: one for all, and all for one. Pity us...........but with Gods grace, they come through. You finally, have, Italian Christianity. While English Christianity, is very much social, and French, political, Italian Christianity, very much deals, with Family matters. Theirs, is a Christianity, of betrayal. A person, garners wealth, or attempts to make it, but is stopped, by those he considers family. Judas' in the midst. He seeks help, but none, will avail it, to him. He then turns to God, but God, does not show up, and due to his supposed disobedience, he is kicked out, of the family. He now walks around shouting and even screaming, "Why me God, why have you betrayed me?..............so betrayed me." It is then, that he is offered, a vision, of great riches, and wealth. He disappears for a time, and returns, after some time, with the promises, of the vision. God is family.
America: God as Force/Light
The American conception of God, is not known to many, who believe that America, has a similar conception of God, as Europe. This is not so. American Christianity, is all about, going into Trance. It is associated, with Spiritualism. The end goal, is holding on. A man, Americano, is hanging from a cliff, and knows not, what to do. He simply hangs there. After some time, he realizes, he just might die. Thats where American Religion, kicks in. He is supposed, to hold on, as long as he can. If he does so, believing he is going to die, he suddenly, goes into trance, and is transformed, by the Spirit of God. This transformation, transforms him physically too, and he gains, new found strength, almost superhuman, and begins to climb up the cliff. Thats the North. In the South, they have a different version. A man, a Southern man, American, decides, to walk, through, a train tunnel. He somewhat imagines it, not too long, despite not seeing the other end. It is while in there, that he discovers, that he can see, neither, both ends. Thats when the fun begins. He happens to look behind him, hearing a sound, and sees the glow, of a bright yellow orange light. A light that looks like, it belongs in hell. He begins to run. He is running, when he believes, he will not make it, unless, he holds on. He holds on, and goes into trance, as the Spirit of God, enters him. He takes off, the light at the end of the tunnel. It is easy, to see, how American Christianity, is associated, with Superheroes. I always believed, if I did conceive God this way, I would be the Ultimate Warrior. One should know, that going into Trance, is not the same, as being possessed. African Gods, possess one. An African, hanging from a Cliff, would think it, a good idea, to drop, due to possession.
Islam: God as a Creative Being
God as a Creative Being, is one, that is preached alot about, and every religion, supposedly, has this concept, of God. God as a Creative Being. This concept of God, is simple to explain, as it involves, manifesting Gods works. Whether it being Architecture, or Literature. The works of Allah, are many. But yet still, Islam, is a somewhat misunderstood religion. Many believe, thats it all about, peaceful relations. Everybody in Islam, is a brother. Thats not true. One must understand, how one becomes creative. When one is wronged, in most ways, one suffers, from a shattered soul. The person, becomes fragmented, and is not wholly, in place, at any one time. They seem disillusioned, dissappointed or disoriented. They have been wronged. What is then required, is becoming whole again. Becoming whole, does not involve revenge, as many believe. What it involves, is some creative output, that tells one, "they might think me low, but look what I have done". This creative output, becomes a reality, with the help of Allah. It has to be something, that Allah, approves of. Thats how Islam works, and why Islamic literature, is filled with turbulence, of all sorts. I am currently, working with this conception of God. I hope one day, to also write, my own Sinbad tales. God as a Creative Being, is also seen, in Protestantism. They however, practise this, differently. Protestants, believe, in becoming, the perfect worker. They seek excellence, in their works, and seek to make everything perfect. After some time, they become, an instrument, of God. There is however, a fault, within protestantism. When one becomes the perfect worker, it is possible, that this person, might go, to the dark side, and for a certain period of time, small, might manifest, perfect evil. Thats before, they begin to fall. The Evil Genius. This conception of God, also once made it, into Europe, brought along, by Middle Easterners. This conception of God, is associated, with Jesus, as worshiped, in the South of France. It is a worship, associated, with imagery. One is supposed, to manifest the imagery seen, or be inspired by it, and being awakened, from their imagineless stupor. They rise from the dead, and are reborn anew. French Christianity, is all about, iconography, which should not be compared, with imagery. Jack and Jill, is iconography. French Christianity, is that deep.
Tribal World: God as Chance
God as Chance, is a well known conception of God, used by many, at one time or another. It is really, all about believing, in chance, of all kinds. It has been appropriated, by some evolutionary theorists, who wish to break away, from mainstream evolutionary theory, by coming up, with the most disbelievable theories on evolution, and attributing their possibility, to chance. This conception of God, is popular, in some parts, of Africa. It is a conception, that make people do things, strangely. A person, will walk ten miles, to see another person, hoping they are in; totally depending, on chance. I know, something about, this conception of God, having used it, during my schooling years. I happened to believe then, that I could pass an exam really well, by preparing for it, in three days. I would at times, be very surprised, when I did not get, the grade I wanted. This conception of God, is not primitive, as many believe, when done right. It is strongly associated, with what they call, improvisation. Improvisation, is best seen, in American Jazz; best to train in it. Not African Jazz. Soul makossa.
Some, might be very surprised, that Judaism, did not make a show here. Mainly due to their belief, that Christianity and Islam, stem from it. They fail to realize though, that Judaism, is really, social thought system. A very good one, much better, than English thought systems. Reading the Torah, will teach one, how to read others. It really makes you, people smart, and one of the reasons, it is hard, to find the Torah. Its a social thought system, superior to Zen, which mainly applies, to East Asians.
God bless.
Below, are some, of the different Conceptions, of God, that make Religion today, a very political matter. If understood, probably, peace on earth, for all time. Who knows.
Japan: God as many Beings
Japan, is an interesting nation, when it comes, to dealing, with Religion. Most people, just don't know much, about, Japanese Religiousity. They fail, to know, due to the Japanese themselves, that Japanese people, practice, different religions, all at one go. There is Zen, Japanese Buddhism, Shintoism, and other stuff, we probably haven't heard about. It's easy, to understand, Japanese Religiousity, at the ground level, but not, at the abstract level. Zen, is used, to deal with, social issues; Japanese Buddhism, with political issues and Shintoism, with economic issues. The very fact, that the Japanese Premier-ship, is associated with Shintoism, tells one, what the Japanese Government, is all about. But thats, at the ground level. At the abstract level, Japanese Religiousity, is associated, with God, manifesting, as many Beings. Many have probably seen, Japanese Religious masks, not knowing, they represent, the different faces, of God. This is all too easy. If you can, fold your face, into a similar, facial expression, as any of those masks, you somewhat readily, access, certain 'powers', that make you, God-like. Its that simple; folding ones face, is not. Different faces, different 'powers'. Its a form of worship, where one calls upon, God, from within. Each of these faces, is associated, with different religions. In reality, the Japanese, are capable of having, probably hundreds, of different religions. Its interestingly crazy like that. I do know though, that Japanese Religiousity, has something to do, with Complexity theory. Haven't made the connection yet though.
Asia: God as a Fatherly Being
This is one, of the oldest, conceptions, of God, out there. There was a time, when all Religions, were the same, and thats because, they used this conception, of God. They were not really the same, but more like similar. This is because, one can conceive God, as a Fatherly Being, in many ways. You can have a belief in God, being very much, like a traditional father. Do everything he says, and all will go well, in your life. With this model, one was required to pray often, and be dutiful, in performing, acts of kindness. When one fell into trouble, they confidently, prayed to God, for intervention. Sit back, and let God, do all the work. I used this model, in my early childhood, until I discovered, that good things, did happen to me, even when i was not constant, in prayer. Bad thing happened, i prayed, and all was fine. Despite being an old conception of God, it still has potential, as a Fatherly Being, can be conceived, in many ways. You can have, a biblical father, like that of the prodigal son fame or, a strict Dad, like a Chinese Dad, or even, conceive God, as Al Bundy. It could all work, with support from all.
Africa: God as an Intelligent Being
This might sound amazing, to many, as Africa, is not a continent, many associate, with intelligence. The key to understanding this, is really about understanding, how one converses, with African Gods. African Gods, tend to be of the Trickster variety. Unknown to many, you do not talk, to Trickster Gods, in a question-answer format, they don't get it. When you approach an African God, be aware, that they think, all humans dumb. What this means, is that what they say, should be taken, with a grain of salt. They say things, to see, how dumb you are. Lets say, you have a can of soup, you want opened, and have no idea how to do so, and you therefore, turn, to an African God; they will not give you an answer, they will say something like, "Why don't we try using a mallet, and see what happens." Thats not an answer, they just want to see, how dumb you are. Many people don't know this, due to their belief, that African Gods, are like the Africans they meet. Many a time, if you ask an African something, you get an answer. Usually, a straight one. Its one of the reasons, there are hundreds of African Gods, as many unknowing Africans, turn from one to another, seeking the one, they can put all their faith in.
Europe: God as Love/Pity
The European conception of God, is one of the most known, having been made, very popular, by Hollywood. There are, three varieties, of European Christianity: English, French and Italian. Each conceives God, slightly differently. Take the English for example, they live, in a very social world, where people try, to fit in, all the time. Occasionally though, a person, will appear, to be better or worse, than the others. If better, they might walk around, saying to themselves: "Why do they hate me so much, for being me;tsk............poor me." If worse, they might say, "Poor me, why do they treat me so bad." English Christianity, is associated, with seeing the light. Any of the two persons, might be walking around, before they are struck, with the truth really, on how to fit in. Many a time, this truth, often appears, in the form of a book; the book, that will change ones life. I have been acquainted, with this form of Christianity, in my social days, and today, I own, a number of books, some, many, having being bought, while wandering through bookshops, in various cities, looking for the one; the book, that would change my life. The English social scene, is one, where, its participants, battle each other, and at any moment, either, appearing to be pitiful, and this going on, until a compromise, is reached; they both see the light. This form of Christianity, has also very much, been associated, with apparitions. You then have French Christianity. French Christianity, is not the most simplest, to explain. It involves, becoming an ideal figure. A young man, arrives, in Paree, and with time, walks around, with the following attitude: "Pity me, nobody knows me." It is then, he realizes, that if he became, an ideal figure, a symbol of truth, people would know him. He then sets out, to be a Musketeer. It is while, training to become, a Musketeer, that he realizes, that the training is hard, and arduous. With time, he develops, the following mentality: "Pity me, I just won't make it." But with Gods love, he makes it through. He is now a Musketeer, and he walks around, looking all proud and meaningful, before he discovers, that while people like Musketeers, they don't really like them. He discovers this, after having sworn allegiance to the Queen, that a number of citizens, wish to invade the palace, and basically, overthrow, the Queen. He rushes to the Gates, of the Palace, and with other Musketeers, is cornered somewhat, as they all seek, to control the mob: one for all, and all for one. Pity us...........but with Gods grace, they come through. You finally, have, Italian Christianity. While English Christianity, is very much social, and French, political, Italian Christianity, very much deals, with Family matters. Theirs, is a Christianity, of betrayal. A person, garners wealth, or attempts to make it, but is stopped, by those he considers family. Judas' in the midst. He seeks help, but none, will avail it, to him. He then turns to God, but God, does not show up, and due to his supposed disobedience, he is kicked out, of the family. He now walks around shouting and even screaming, "Why me God, why have you betrayed me?..............so betrayed me." It is then, that he is offered, a vision, of great riches, and wealth. He disappears for a time, and returns, after some time, with the promises, of the vision. God is family.
America: God as Force/Light
The American conception of God, is not known to many, who believe that America, has a similar conception of God, as Europe. This is not so. American Christianity, is all about, going into Trance. It is associated, with Spiritualism. The end goal, is holding on. A man, Americano, is hanging from a cliff, and knows not, what to do. He simply hangs there. After some time, he realizes, he just might die. Thats where American Religion, kicks in. He is supposed, to hold on, as long as he can. If he does so, believing he is going to die, he suddenly, goes into trance, and is transformed, by the Spirit of God. This transformation, transforms him physically too, and he gains, new found strength, almost superhuman, and begins to climb up the cliff. Thats the North. In the South, they have a different version. A man, a Southern man, American, decides, to walk, through, a train tunnel. He somewhat imagines it, not too long, despite not seeing the other end. It is while in there, that he discovers, that he can see, neither, both ends. Thats when the fun begins. He happens to look behind him, hearing a sound, and sees the glow, of a bright yellow orange light. A light that looks like, it belongs in hell. He begins to run. He is running, when he believes, he will not make it, unless, he holds on. He holds on, and goes into trance, as the Spirit of God, enters him. He takes off, the light at the end of the tunnel. It is easy, to see, how American Christianity, is associated, with Superheroes. I always believed, if I did conceive God this way, I would be the Ultimate Warrior. One should know, that going into Trance, is not the same, as being possessed. African Gods, possess one. An African, hanging from a Cliff, would think it, a good idea, to drop, due to possession.
Islam: God as a Creative Being
God as a Creative Being, is one, that is preached alot about, and every religion, supposedly, has this concept, of God. God as a Creative Being. This concept of God, is simple to explain, as it involves, manifesting Gods works. Whether it being Architecture, or Literature. The works of Allah, are many. But yet still, Islam, is a somewhat misunderstood religion. Many believe, thats it all about, peaceful relations. Everybody in Islam, is a brother. Thats not true. One must understand, how one becomes creative. When one is wronged, in most ways, one suffers, from a shattered soul. The person, becomes fragmented, and is not wholly, in place, at any one time. They seem disillusioned, dissappointed or disoriented. They have been wronged. What is then required, is becoming whole again. Becoming whole, does not involve revenge, as many believe. What it involves, is some creative output, that tells one, "they might think me low, but look what I have done". This creative output, becomes a reality, with the help of Allah. It has to be something, that Allah, approves of. Thats how Islam works, and why Islamic literature, is filled with turbulence, of all sorts. I am currently, working with this conception of God. I hope one day, to also write, my own Sinbad tales. God as a Creative Being, is also seen, in Protestantism. They however, practise this, differently. Protestants, believe, in becoming, the perfect worker. They seek excellence, in their works, and seek to make everything perfect. After some time, they become, an instrument, of God. There is however, a fault, within protestantism. When one becomes the perfect worker, it is possible, that this person, might go, to the dark side, and for a certain period of time, small, might manifest, perfect evil. Thats before, they begin to fall. The Evil Genius. This conception of God, also once made it, into Europe, brought along, by Middle Easterners. This conception of God, is associated, with Jesus, as worshiped, in the South of France. It is a worship, associated, with imagery. One is supposed, to manifest the imagery seen, or be inspired by it, and being awakened, from their imagineless stupor. They rise from the dead, and are reborn anew. French Christianity, is all about, iconography, which should not be compared, with imagery. Jack and Jill, is iconography. French Christianity, is that deep.
Tribal World: God as Chance
God as Chance, is a well known conception of God, used by many, at one time or another. It is really, all about believing, in chance, of all kinds. It has been appropriated, by some evolutionary theorists, who wish to break away, from mainstream evolutionary theory, by coming up, with the most disbelievable theories on evolution, and attributing their possibility, to chance. This conception of God, is popular, in some parts, of Africa. It is a conception, that make people do things, strangely. A person, will walk ten miles, to see another person, hoping they are in; totally depending, on chance. I know, something about, this conception of God, having used it, during my schooling years. I happened to believe then, that I could pass an exam really well, by preparing for it, in three days. I would at times, be very surprised, when I did not get, the grade I wanted. This conception of God, is not primitive, as many believe, when done right. It is strongly associated, with what they call, improvisation. Improvisation, is best seen, in American Jazz; best to train in it. Not African Jazz. Soul makossa.
Some, might be very surprised, that Judaism, did not make a show here. Mainly due to their belief, that Christianity and Islam, stem from it. They fail to realize though, that Judaism, is really, social thought system. A very good one, much better, than English thought systems. Reading the Torah, will teach one, how to read others. It really makes you, people smart, and one of the reasons, it is hard, to find the Torah. Its a social thought system, superior to Zen, which mainly applies, to East Asians.
God bless.
