Origins of similar religions

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   janesixposted 10 years ago

   Many religious scholars have wondered about the striking similarities in religion throughout history, and across the world.
   
   Some of this can be accounted for due to simple copying, or blending of religions between cultures. I believe this is true, and obvious in some cases. I'm not debating that at all.
   
   But copying can't account for all the cases. Theories have been suggested that there was an "original" culture that the religious ideas came from. The current proponents of this idea shy away from calling this "Atlantis" but the idea is the same in nature if not in name. That there must have been an original advanced culture that was wiped out and dispersed across the globe, spreading their ideas.
   
   I think this is a reasonable idea, it would explain things quite well. But there is simply no real evidence for it, and the theory has other fatal flaws.
   
   I think it's safe to rule out Ancient Aliens, which has gained a lot of followers, but is in my mind just a cop out.
   
   So what is left?

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      EncephaloiDeadposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Shamans from when people lived in caves are probably the earliest known form of religion, then came the sun worshipers.

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         janesixposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         The issue here is why religions all over the world and throughout time are so similar. Any ideas?

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            EncephaloiDeadposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            The aren't, for the most part, they are all entirely different. Similarities abound between ones that appear to be copied from another, like Christianity being copied from earlier religions.

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               janesixposted 10 years agoin reply to this

               That's not true. Try reading some of the experts on the subject of comparative religion before you make that claim.
               
               That's why the debate exists. Because copying and integration can't resolve certain issues. Copying is obvious in many cases, but can't explain many others.

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                  Castlepalomaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                  Hindiism was the first Religion, Toaism makes most sense to me where the aim is To be one with nature.
                  
                  One theory is :The smartest man in the cave theory" he confronted the groups fears of being kiiled by animals, earthquacks, storms, vocanos and so on. He gazed upon the stars and explained how all things are connnected and made up reason's for everything too.  (Not a bad idea)
                  
                  Then the smartest man in the cave claimed he has ultimate sub God or Co creator.  The people fell for it. they felt comfortable, it fit their over ego desires to know the 99% unknown world and universe that stand today.Then......the Military and Religion were born then follow by polli-tricks

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                     janesixposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                     " He gazed upon the stars and explained how all things are connnected and made up reason's for everything too.  (Not a bad idea)"
                     
                     Have you ever read Hamlet's Mill? There's an interesting theory that religions were originally based on the stars and their movements.

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                  EncephaloiDeadposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                  That would be the pot calling the kettle black. You rarely if ever prepare yourself for these forums.

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                     janesixposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                     Of course. If you say so.

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                        Castlepalomaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                        janesix
                        
                        Lol, Don't you come prepared for the 99% unknown World and Universe.
                        
                        Don't you know it's an over ego world, I'll forgive you this time, but next, know everything..

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                           janesixposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                           
                           
                           I am working hard on my omniscience:)

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            BuddiNsenseposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            Because humans everywhere are similar.

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   Kathryn L Hillposted 10 years ago

   Because all religions are based on one simple truth:
   Going Out vs Going In.  Going Outward toward the World / (delusion), vs Going Within toward Reality / (spirit.)
   
   Going outward = being pulled by temptations, restlessness, greed, selfishness, arrogance and lack of self control. (etc.)
                                           vs
   Going within = love, empathy, patience, humility, self control and self mastery (etc.)
   
   TWISI

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      janesixposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Do you think a religion is formed from an inner guidance? From something that's a universal truth?
      
      Maybe an inner truth that is formed inside, but is filtered through our prejudices and perceptions?
      
      I'm not trying to put words in your mouth, this is something I think is probably true. I am wondering if you think this way too.

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         Kathryn L Hillposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         I would explain it like this:
         Inner truth is found / located inside... not formed. Jesus explained: If your eye (of intuition) be single, (third eye,) your body will be perceived as energy / spirit.  The Reality of Spirit is heaven: (joy / bliss) which we seek. It is found within by perceiving it directly. Jesus also explained that we can become one with Reality in the twinkling of an eye when we desire it with body, heart, mind, and spirit / soul: In other words, one hundred percent willing to melt back into the Spirit of God. Who wants to leave the physical form? Few.
         Jesus willingly embraced the reality of Spirit/God. He said : The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few. Religions help people embark upon the ship of inner realms where heaven is perceived. Unfortunately, religious teachings, originally based on truth, are indeed filtered through prejudices and false perceptions.
         TWISI

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            janesixposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            Are you talking along the lines of opening our chakras? Particularly, the chakra located in our forehead(or as some would say, the third eye, sometimes the pineal gland) In order to open up our intuition more?

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               Kathryn L Hillposted 10 years agoin reply to this

               I agree:  By activating the chakra located in our forehead, intuition can be awakened. I know how this is done: Meditation, which is focusing on the Inner Life / Love of God/Reality, through the pineal gland/ third eye/ seat of the soul, with the power of body, mind, heart and soul/spirit.

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                  janesixposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                  I've had quite a bit of personal experience with this.
                  
                  Not all of it pleasant. I think I have a lot to work through.

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                     Kathryn L Hillposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                     Like what? 
                     
                     
                     You need a guru, like Jesus.

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                        janesixposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                        I really do need a guru:)
                        
                        It started with meditation. I'd never done any type of meditation, but I developed cataracts and was almost completely blind, so I was at the point where I was willing to try anything to get my sight back. I was broke and couldn't afford the surgery. So I tried using meditation and visual imagry to heal myself.
                        
                        Within a few days of starting meditation, I started being able to see auras, energy within and between living and nonliving things, see my chakra points. It took over my life. It was all really awesome for about a month.
                        
                        Then I had a full-blown kundalini experience.
                        
                        From that point until now, It's been like a roller coaster ride(about three and a half years now).
                        
                        Before I started meditating, I had been rather "normal". A regular American, capitalistic, watched TV, socialized. All the things and cares of the normal world. Now I am a completely different person. I see the world completely differently. It's like someone took a stick and stirred up my soul. Gave me the means to start to see the world and reality for what it is.

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                           Kathryn L Hillposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                           I recommend Autobiography of a Yogi. Have you heard of SRF?

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                              janesixposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                              No, what's srf?

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                                 Kathryn L Hillposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                                 http://www.yogananda-srf.org

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                                    janesixposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                                    Thanks, I'll take a look at it.
                                    
                                    Have you had any of this type of experience?

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                                       Kathryn L Hillposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                                       ...my son has: Had a blast of energy which permanently woke up his chakras and expanded his awareness. (I raised him with the principles of SRF, since the temples are near us, Hollywood, Glendale, Mt. Washington, here in L.A.) Me? Every time I meditate I get answers which increase my awareness. There is a wonderful support system of very knowledgeable monks working to master the techniques of Kriya Yoga. The techniques cannot hurt you, ever. Only help.

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   Kathryn L Hillposted 10 years ago

   "1. Root Chakra - Represents our foundation and feeling of being grounded.
   Location: Base of spine in tailbone area.
   Emotional issues: Survival issues such as financial independence, money, and food.
   
   2. Sacral Chakra - Our connection and ability to accept others and new experiences.
   Location: Lower abdomen, about 2 inches below the navel and 2 inches in.
   Emotional issues: Sense of abundance, well-being, pleasure, sexuality.
   
   3. Solar Plexus Chakra - Our ability to be confident and in-control of our lives.
   Location: Upper abdomen in the stomach area.
   Emotional issues: Self-worth, self-confidence, self-esteem.
   
   4. Heart Chakra - Our ability to love.
   Location: Center of chest just above heart.
   Emotional issues: Love, joy, inner peace.
   
   5. Throat Chakra - Our ability to communicate.
   Location: Throat.
   Emotional issues: Communication, self-expression of feelings, the truth.
   
   6. Third Eye Chakra - Our ability to focus on and see the big picture.
   Location: Forehead between the eyes. (Also called the Brow Chakra)
   Emotional issues: Intuition, imagination, wisdom, ability to think and make decisions.
   
   7. Crown Chakra - The highest Chakra represents our ability to be fully connected spiritually.
   Location: The very top of the head.
   Emotional issues: Inner and outer beauty, our connection to spirituality, pure bliss."
   http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-91/The-7 … nners.html

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      Castlepalomaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Kathryn L Hill
      What is your make of the UK Olympic one eye mascot
      Is he missing one or two more eyes, or he an all seeing eye.
      At first gazz, thought  it was a walking penis or  sperm

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         Kathryn L Hillposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         Head shape: Represents the three medals won in each olympic event.
         Friendship bands on wrists: shows the five colors of the olympic rings
         Taxi light on top: inspired by the london taxis.
         Camera eye: Lets "Wenlock" record everything.
         Three points on his head: represent the three places on the podium.
         The pattern on his body: symbolises the whole world coming to London.
         The shape of his helmet: represents the shape of the Olympic Stadium.  Wenlock and Mandeville were the official mascots for the 2012 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in London, United Kingdom.
         
         The Russian mascot, a polar bear, is really cute, but he is getting many negative comments. 
         http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mYTlBoUsug

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            Castlepalomaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            Off topic fun anyways
            
            Went to 6 sites to see which of all Olympic mascots in history was the  weirdest and creepiest of all time.  Out All of the most nonsensical mascots from the Olympics that generally terrify children and aldults. The one that takes the cake is the 2012 Olympic Games in London of the super weird one eye monster makes everyone vaguely horrifying and uncomfortable. Looks like Lisa Simpson doing a JB

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