The Basis of Religion

[Mr.Mustache]

Religion cannot be defined so simply as the belief in the supernatural. Far too often it is characterized this way. Religion is defined as the belief in an untouchable god that seems to do nothing more than to comfort or create tension and atrocity.

If religion is nothing more than the belief in some grand scheme for which there is no effect within the natural world then religion is baseless. Modern spirituality, then, would simply be an echo of a primitive thought pattern that allowed for tribal unity in our ancestors.

This is the reductive mindset that is growing more popular in todays world.

However, this is not a true understanding of religion.

Spirituality is an experience, a state of being; an action.

I've recently experienced a state of profound awe, unity and love (for lack of a better word) that seemed to transcend time and space. After searching the web for information about what had transpired I found the term Peak Experience. I also found a book by the psychologist Abraham Maslow called Religion, Values and Peak experiences.

It can be found online here: Religions, Values, and Peak Experiences

Apparently my experience was rather mild compared to others.

Peak experience seems to be underlying basis for the spirituality of all cultures. Each tradition interpreting this state of being according to their own cultural context.

This profound state has been studied scientifically: MeaningofLife.tv

There seems to be more to the world than what our five physical senses tell us.

[Benny2]

Mr.Mustache

I am respectfully jealous of your command of the English language.

I thank you every much for your perspective.

I also thank you for your websites.

I went to your second website and found to be most interesting and informative. Wow! I believe says it best.

You saved me a lot of search time that as a student I just do not have.

Thank again
Benny2

[Mr.Mustache]

Thanks, I really enjoyed finding that interview too. You should really take the time to skim that book too, especially the appendix. I'm in college right now taking psychology and I find Maslow's perspective valuable.

If people would start focusing on what religion is instead of petty theological differences I think it would do the world a lot of good.

[Benny2]

I agree.

I also found Maslow's every useful. The are many different ways to apply his concepts through symbolic representation, like mathematics. His concept are very mathematics. Like letting x need be = lower needs (Deficiency needs) every time you appoarch a project and addressing that need or needs firsts.
Then work it from there up the hiearchy. Not preaching, maybe teaching or sharing. Hmm! Is there a difference?

[Mr.Mustache]

The hierarchy of needs is just common sense. Its so simple and useful its self-evident.