FAITH, PHILOSOPHY AND GOVERNMENT

Faith, Philosophy and Government

Faith, Philosophy and Government

i) What are the areas of commonality among these religions?

The basic commonality among these religions are that they all are very organized. All adherents of a single religion usually share at least some commonalities, such as a common historical heritage and some shared doctrines or practices. But these rules can't be pushed too far before being overburdened by exceptions. (Charles 2009)

As some of us have talked individually after some of the services we have attended, you have heard me say that I believe that dialogue between members of different religions demands first and foremost that we are honest about who we are and that we cannot find commonalties until we are clear about our distinctives. Discussions in which we pretend that we are closer than we really are by their very nature are insincere and cannot lead to fruitful results.

ii) Why do you suppose religions and belief systems develop in this way?

In contrast to other belief systems, religious beliefs are usually codified. Religion is not just a set of beliefs but a way of life, the basis of culture, identity and moral values. Religion is an essential part of the tradition that helps to promote both social stability and creative innovation. (Charles 2009)

Art creates a new Ideal, a new Object and a new religion. It never goes beyond the making of religion. Raphael's portrayal of Christ casts him in such a light that he could be the basis of a new religion - a religion of the biblical Christ set apart from all human affairs. From that first moment when the tireless understanding begins to pursue its long course of reflection upon a new Object, it steadily deepens in its thoughts until it finally turns upon itself in total inwardness. With devoted love, it sinks into itself and attends to its own revelations and inspirations. But yet this religious understanding is so ardently in love with its own Object that it must have a burning hatred for all else - religious hatred is inseparable from religious love. Who does not believe in the Object, he is a heretic, and who is not truly godly, he tolerates heresy. Who will deny that Philip II of Spain is infinitely more godly than Joseph II of Germany, and that Hengstenberg is truly godly, whereas Hegel is quite not? In our times, the amount of hate has diminished to the extent that the love of God has weakened.

All religious groups have depicted their beliefs and disbeliefs in artform. Art probably started as a religious activity of religious sects. Religion or religious values were presented in paintings, drawings, sculpture, architecture and all art forms.

Look at the painting of Holman Hunt's "The Light of the World." It is pretty. It expresses a fine personal sentiment. It is full of rich symbols. It contains religious subject matter. But it falls short of being a powerful statement of human emotion or ...