RATIONALITY & FAITH
About Religion and Spirituality
Spirituality and religion are not synonyms. In fact, as discussed throughout Doctrine Impossible, these stances are diametric opposites. Consider:
Religion
Is intrinsically divisive
Classifies people into groups based on their “right” versus “wrong” beliefs
Sees Man as distinct from other sentient life but separate from God
Sees God as the character described in the Bible or other sacred book
Defines dogma as essential doctrines
Proclaims heaven vs hell to those with right vs wrong beliefs, respectively
Is dependent on idolatrous faith in a sacred book
Tries to use its sacred book to prove that God is real
Is hostile to science and reason when there is conflict with sacred book
Has been a source of warfare and atrocities throughout history
Spirituality
Is intrinsically unifying
Respects the individual regardless of beliefs
Sees Man and all sentient life connected by cosmic mindfulness
Takes no position on reality of God but rejects idea of vengeful or punitive God
Has no doctrines and no dogma
Makes no promises or threats about next-world realms
Has no idolatrous devotion to any tangible object
Accepts that religious and spiritual concepts cannot be proven
Joyfully celebrates science and reason in place of devotion to a sacred book
Reduces the likelihood of warfare and atrocities