The fact that a few objects and ideas - relating especially to candles; light - can exist in many cultures, and be read instantly as Religion, suggests that all religions are One.
Or more academically, that religions developed out of cross-cultural borrowing between different cultures and faiths. Or mythic or belief systems.
Such rituals may also reflect a typical response to facts in the natural world. In the present example: in the winter, the daylight hours are shorter, and the dark nights are longer. The use of candles, fire, partially pushes back the cold and dark.
This would be one anthropological, materialist/functionalist reading of religion.
The fact that a few objects and ideas - relating especially to candles; light - can exist in many cultures, and be read instantly as Religion, suggests that all religions are One.
ReplyDeleteOr more academically, that religions developed out of cross-cultural borrowing between different cultures and faiths. Or mythic or belief systems.
Such rituals may also reflect a typical response to facts in the natural world. In the present example: in the winter, the daylight hours are shorter, and the dark nights are longer. The use of candles, fire, partially pushes back the cold and dark.
DeleteThis would be one anthropological, materialist/functionalist reading of religion.