People differentiate between esoteric and exoteric religion…
People differentiate between esoteric and exoteric religion, as if the former were secret and the latter out in the open, for the masses, so to speak.
But that doesn't seem quite right.
There is, however, a tremendous difference between religion that searches for God and truth, and religion that self-identifies as possessing the truth.
The former is a manifestation of freedom, the latter of power.
Replies
which religions search for truth?
All religions search for truth. All religions infested by power search for control.
prolly every human endeavor "infrsted" by power. power not inherently bad, required for survival and progress
Gonna have to agree to disagree.
I think power is a symptom of spiritual retardation.
is religion ever a community endeavor according to your definition?
I think it can be if it is very serious about not becoming a power hierarchy, which is extremely difficult.
another common misunderstanding is between Religion and Dogma ... I mean for example, as far as I'm concerned... I'm very religious, but in the authentic sense of the term ... I love studying etymologies and Religion means gathering together in the sense of at least trying to COMPREHEND ... You can do it with Yoga, with prayer, with meditation and in these impulses find yourself at One with "God" ... Dogmas are all the rules (often mental masturbations) that cage the actions of a believer with respect to another ...
I guess my point is that whenever there is a group of people involved in any human endeavor power must be apportioned to achieve that endeavor and this can happen in ways both legitimate and illegitimate (a judgement made by community members). this is desirable (when legitimate) and happens explicitly or implicitly in almost everything we do bc it is actually a pre-requisite for survival and achievement, for example when fighting off an aggressive out group or deciding on the rituals of a religious practice
The alternative to giving people power is having actual representatives without privileges who are fired the second they don’t do what they are supposed to do.
firing them is an exercise of power. there is no getting away from it
It depends entirely on the definition of power. I define power as the privilege to violate individual rights without repercussions.