From: Dehede011@aol.com
Date: Wed Sep 25 2002 - 07:59:23 MDT
In a message dated 9/25/2002 12:54:46 AM Central Standard Time,
samantha@objectent.com writes: I notice that each time it is done it is done
with religion summed up in its most primitive forms so it can more easily be
disposed of. Isn't this game rather boring for all concerned? What is the
kick? A feeling of superiority over those supposedly dumb and lazy-minded
religious/spiritual people? Are those that habitually do this routine so
lacking in self-confidence that they need this kick periodically?
Samantha,
You covered that rather well, IMHO but there are layers even beyond
what you said.
Most folks have heard of Maslow's hierarchy of values. There is a
later one by Clare Graves. Clare Graves' hierarchy of values is not as
accessible as Dr. Graves didn't publish to the extent Maslow did.
Fortunately Dr. Graves' students have begun to do so and some material is
available by search on line.
In Dr. Graves hierarchy we expect to find people exercising group
religion on all the even numbered steps in the hierarchy. Level two is a
tribal form of religion that we today exercise as little children following
Mommy & Daddy around and aping what they do and say. Level four is the
fundamentalists and if you notice they are present in all the major
religions.
Most people when they discuss religions miss level two entirely and go
straight to level four to make some comments that have been made a zillion
times before. For those critics level four is religion.
The problem is that levels six and eight are also present are not even
recognizably like level four. The only time level four practitioners, or
critics, become noticeable is when they intrude with their new found wisdom.
But, yes, you are right. Level four practitioners and critics are
pretty primitive.
Have a good day.
Ron h.
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