 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
||||||
|
|||||||
you are here: > Self > 4. Religion and SELF
| 4.6 |
Common component- sacred covenant/agreement
|
|
| The next most common component of all religions is the belief in some sacred covenant/agreement between the deity and humanity. | ||
| The 4th literal implication of the word "religion" by definition is the existence of documentation as the basis of a pact/covenant/oath/bond between the god(s) and humanity. | ||
| This implies that the words transmitted by humans from their respective "God(s)" exist in some coherent form and text- thus the central importance of sacred texts to all major religions. To the Jews it was the Ten Commandments, the basis of their covenant with YHWH. To the Christians it was the symbol of the Eucharist (symbolic Passover meal) as the basis of their covenant, and so on. | ||
| As an agreement | ||
| Covenant/Pact/Oath also implies an exchange of agreement- not one way. I.e. for our devotion and gratitude, the God(s) will protect us etc. Thus the agreement of the Ten Commandments was the agreement for the Jewish homeland and protection, the covenant of Christ is supposed to be the opportunity for eternal life, etc. | ||
| The concept of a covenant/agreement is critically important, not only in establishing a powerful message, but an instrument of power in itself in that it represents the religions legitimacy in reference to other religions. Therefore religions that possess "expansionist" covenants such as Christianity and Islam, the belief in a legitimate covenant has been the basis of active and passive conversion to their respective religions since their creation. | ||
| A divine covenant also implies by definition divine rules, which of their nature must be superior to human rules. Therefore divine law is the most fundamental basis of all human law and has been since the inception of all civilizations. That is why in Western Society, the swearing allegiance/oath to the Bible is so important, for it is the visual and verbal reference to the existence of a covenant with rules, that take precedence and basis of all human law. | ||
|
Copyright © 2010 UCADIA. All rights reserved. |
||