Brother John
Senior Master
hmm...Andrew Green said:Which, in itself is a change from a few hundred years ago
As science advances our understanding of the physical world religion adapts to fit the spiritual, any future big scientific advances are going to do the same thing.
I'm not arguing that how different faiths carry out or exercise their views doesn't change whenever we gain a better understanding of creation... but that "religion" ...it's underlying tenents, don't.
Also: That's Not a change at all. In fact the thinking that the Eden story (and others like it....like the story of Job, the tower of Babel...etc) is allegory pointing toward deeper spiritual truths is one of the oldest interpretations out there. If anything, it's more of a getting back to the roots. The strict/literal interpretation is old as well, but it's never been the ONLY game in town. Fact is, down through time the pendulum of popular belief has swung from the literal to the allegorical "lens" several times. Also: The STRICT litteralism is more a product of the North/West Hemisphere..true...it's roots were deep in Europe...but nobody perfected it like those who settled our fair lands here.
interesting discussion.
Your Brother
John