Is religion a language? And like language, innate?
If we are genetically disposed to religion as we are, according to Chomsky, to language, then what does that mean for religion and for us?
Perhaps the world would find it easier to accept the multiplicity of religions if religion per se was understood as a kind of language.
It might also turn out that some people have exceptional gifts for religions, "speaking" several, or for translating between religions.
Perhaps we could also learn something from looking at how languages evolve, competing with each other, some surviving, others dieing. (A predominant theory of language history uses the model of the family tree.)
I haven't looked around the Web too much on this topic but did find some interesting but somewhat loose notes roughly on this idea here:
http://eyring.hplx.net/Eyring/Notes/Lang_Rel.html
If anyone has come across thinking along these lines....
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Comments
Panentheism
Posted on: 01/28/2008 10:16
You connection to the site points to a whole theological discussion that has been going on for some time - it is in response to Derrida and is very European and grounded in a neo thomistic reflection - God without being is great - another is Kearney's The God who may be - a Hermeneutics of Religion - much discussion is within the process school of thought ( center for Process studies) and the interface with Ricoeur. Nice reflection.
Arminius
Posted on: 01/29/2008 01:53
I think the world would accept the multiplicity of religion far better if religion were regarded as art. And not just mere art, but as the art of arts, because it connects us with our ultimate creator and awakens the creator within.
Traditionally, religion has been too much imitation and too little creation. Let's unite with God and awaken the creator within! After all, that's what we were meant to do. The ultimate creator created us in ITS image--as creators. So let's create!
Arminius
Posted on: 01/30/2008 01:10
Hello again, howboy: Another thought just popped into my mind when re-reading your blog. I think we are genetically disposed to cretaorship.