'Demystification' is a very popular endeavor these days. It is indeed very useful in those areas where the 'mystery' is more of a 'pathological' lack of clarity. However, there are mysteries that can't be demystified without losing the essence.
To me, God is one of those mysteries (may be even 'the' mystery) that should not be demystified. Mystical experience of the divine lies at the core of spirituality. It is because God can only be experienced and not understood! Actually, an imperfect understanding would take away from the experience and all 'understanding' of an infinite being would necessarily be imperfect. Even when it comes to human beings, 'knowing about someone' can become an impediment for 'knowing someone'!
One of the most 'funny' things that you notice with many organized religions is that the religious leaders would say that God (or some concept about God like the Trinity in Christianity) is a mystery and then proceed to tell precisely what God (or the concept about God) is!
Taking mystery (and mystical experience) out of religion because it is 'unmanageable' (from the organization sense), is one of the key reasons why religion is fast becoming irrelevant to a large section of the population.
To me, the religion that has relevance is a highly personal one - based on personal experience of the divine and on the personal relationship with the divine. This personal experience is highly subjective and mystical. Yes, one can try to share one's personal experience of the divine with others. But, it should not be done in order to invalidate the experience of others! Instead, it should be done to share the sheer joy of such an experience and to highlight the 'possibility' of such experiences!
1 comment:
Demystification is part of the rationalistic agenda. Philosophy and Science are often 2 sides of the same coin. Mythology thrives on stories and events which serves the Pope's agenda... Let's unmask the half truths and falsehood spread even by the Catholic church. God is Truth!!
Post a Comment