Recently, on yet another plane ride, I read a review of a new book about the advance of science during the 1600's. Damn if I can remember which paper rag I read it, but if I can find it, I'll properly cite it.
One of the topics of the review, and one I agree with, is that religion is all about wonder and awe, but doesn't like curiosity so much. The curious mind doesn't stop at the usual answers that religion provides; like "it's a mystery" or "god made it."
Looking back, this is what bothered me so much as a child in catechism. I wanted answers to what came before and other questions and all I got was that god was behind it all, shut up and read your Bible. It wasn't enough. Science encourage curiosity, the more the better.
Of all the religions I has studied, it was Taoism that tended to comfort those questions, but even it wasn't enough. And like all of 'em, it seems that every other verse said something about Taoism being the only true path.
While there are often nuggets of wisdom in the holy books, it is a static wisdom, and doesn't encourage exploration of the cosmos. I out grew it in my youth because it couldn't keep up with my curiosity.
I came to learn that as it tried to control my curiosity, religion also sought to control my life, my thoughts. They way I saw, how could this god grant me free-will, curiosity, and the rest; then tell me to not exercise those gifts. What broke the chains, finally, was the poetry of William Blake. Quite spiritual in his own right, he hated the shackles put on the human will and experience by monks and priests.
No going back, now.
Off Topic » in reply to Science and religion (originally from Mysteries of the Multiverse)
Curiosity killed the cat, religion kills curiosity....
The whole thread (40 posts)
- Science and religion (originally from Mysteries of the Multiverse)
- Questions
- Until I was about 12 I believed in god.
- Curiosity killed the cat, religion kills curiosity....
- That is a pretty narrow purpose for religion, that you and your friend agreed to!
- My friend Barbara observes:
- There's no solace in science for me.
- For me, science satisfies my awe more than religion does.