How do we bring more
understanding among people from different parts of the world and opposing
traditions? I have already stressed the
importance of knowledge and understanding our physical world. I believe empowering women is also essential
for progress of humanity as I have already spoken about women.
This time I want to
talk about traditions, rituals, and faith. I have been watching people
closely, hearing many stories and reading a lot.
I can see that some people need rituals and some have no need for it at all. I know many Jewish or Christians families where one brother lives his life going to weekly services, feels great about bowing down, waving different kinds of wands or a brush, and following age old traditions. These are traditions that "have passed the test of time" as they say.
At the same time, a second brother in the same family laughs at the whole thing. This brother has no need for any rituals. The tradition has no magical or spiritual power over him.
In the old world the community leaders would frown upon this second brother. They would call him to a meeting and question his absences. Even worse, there would be an internal police to spy on the activities of such people and shame them in public. But in recent times this brother happily stays away from rituals. He stays home to read a book or go to a football game, a hike in the mountains, a surf in the ocean.
In the old world large resources of the community would go into building massive lavish cathedrals or mosques or monasteries. The rituals and ceremonies would be enhanced by the beauty of the structure and this would be the main meeting place for the community.
So we have two brothers, the traditionalist and the rebel. In the wider world this creates a serious conflict between the "faithful" and the secular.
I can see that some people need rituals and some have no need for it at all. I know many Jewish or Christians families where one brother lives his life going to weekly services, feels great about bowing down, waving different kinds of wands or a brush, and following age old traditions. These are traditions that "have passed the test of time" as they say.
At the same time, a second brother in the same family laughs at the whole thing. This brother has no need for any rituals. The tradition has no magical or spiritual power over him.
In the old world the community leaders would frown upon this second brother. They would call him to a meeting and question his absences. Even worse, there would be an internal police to spy on the activities of such people and shame them in public. But in recent times this brother happily stays away from rituals. He stays home to read a book or go to a football game, a hike in the mountains, a surf in the ocean.
In the old world large resources of the community would go into building massive lavish cathedrals or mosques or monasteries. The rituals and ceremonies would be enhanced by the beauty of the structure and this would be the main meeting place for the community.
So we have two brothers, the traditionalist and the rebel. In the wider world this creates a serious conflict between the "faithful" and the secular.
In Europe many of
these lavish cathedrals are losing their grandeur as more and more of the young
generations do not find the rituals comforting or necessary. These young people are asking for a
replacement of the churches as community centers and meeting places. As I was pondering this sort of news for many
years I heard this article on NPR about a 19th century church in
Bolton, England that was abandoned. Then
it was bought by the local Muslim community and everyone was wondering if it
would turn into a mosque. But it was
turned into a secular community center.
“Now, amid stories about religious friction and ethnic tensions, the
transformation of All Souls Church provides a story of harmony and integration in one
culturally diverse community.”
The Old:
Here is the article in the Guardian:
In
the remodeled building there are now “halls for
clubs and hobby groups, a garden for a local grow-your-own project, a concert
space and a business and training center for local startups.”
This is the kind of solution that I feel will bring people
together, will help cohesion and integration.
People will focus on their similar interests and common goals rather
than stressing their differences. Both
brothers, the faithful and the rebel will belong here.
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