Comparative Religion Course

Thesis for Comparative Religion Masters Course

A Presentation on Comparative Religion

By Eric D. Keefer

I emphatically state that Comparative Religion studies for nearly 2000 years has had for its goal:

“to recognize the DIFFERENCES in the mythology, ideology, rituals, historical traditions, and conceptualizations” and that this approach has been neither beneficial to students, helpful to those who are practicing within the religions, nor is based upon the originators of “Comparative Religion” who were the philosophers of the oldest orders. Though the idea of comparing the differing practices was intended to be an extension and expansion of knowledge, modern practice has evolved to usage as a weapon and a tool for division. This is not true in a very small minority of presentations (our course being one of the few) or in the minority of the schools of thought, but those exceptions are extremely rare throughout historical practices and are even more rare in modern academic applications.

Comparing belief systems is not a new practice. The earliest philosophers, both the latter in the Western Schools, and those of the much earlier Eastern and Persian Schools compared beliefs and practices for the purpose of understanding themselves, the universe as a whole organism, and to develop a greater understanding of the “Cosmos”, all things. The word "philosophy" comes from the Greek φιλοσοφία (philosophia), which literally means "love of wisdom". The fact that “comparative religion” has its origins in the philosophical schools should mean that it is done with the purpose of gaining wisdom for oneself. The various mythologies and ideologies that existed in the time of the individual philosophers were evaluated, questioned, and examined through all of their experiences and any texts available. When the belief systems of the time were found wanting or errant, new ideas were introduced, explored, and accepted or rejected based upon rational examination. Texts and schools from far more ancient cultures were incorporated and previous understandings were revived, removing over time most of the myths that had been applied to natural and religious phenomena. 

There were many who began very early in Western history to dismiss the characterization and representations of the “gods” and began to seek rational explanations to the natural phenomena around them. However, they also began to seek answers to the questions of why they existed, what came before, and what is the purpose of one’s life. This is where the philosophers of ancient times laid the groundwork for those who wish to undertake religious comparison today. 

In the global environment in which we live today, it is invaluable to know the practices, rituals, and historical traditions of the various religions of the world. To know the terminology and conceptual ideologies that are used today as markers or divisions between the variant belief systems does allow for better communication, understanding of behaviors and cultural relations, and for beginning students this is a pre-requisite in developing understanding of the “religious” roots of many modern systems.  The deeper comparisons lead a student to historical events related to religious influences. However, it is equally important to know the origins of modern beliefs and practices that can be the catalysts to the conflicts of today and to understand many of these ideologies and practices were never an original part of the belief systems in antiquity. 

To delve much deeper and further backward in time, the practices within modern belief systems can be compared not only to other systems, but also to their own foundations. Only then, when fully informed, are students truly able to make a comparison that finds the similarities are much more profound than the differences. The further back in time we go, the greater the similarities become. It is the lack of emphasis on similarities that has been exploited, over-exemplified, and used to facilitate division of nations, as well as to create barriers between similar ethnic and religious groupings within a single region. It takes no time what-so-ever to discover that this emphasis on the “differences” has been used to the benefit of only those at the apex of the organizations controlling the systems. The sacrifice of fact as well as the lives of followers has historically been without a semblance of conscience and in contradiction to the original edicts of the systems themselves. To state that this change in ideology behind Comparative Religion, seeking the differences rather than the similarities, to emphasize a doctrine rather than to seek the truth of similarity found and founded by the philosophers has been expertly inserted with nefarious purposes.

Almost completely ignored in the studies I have been able to partake in, are all the adulterations made to texts, changes in teachings, and insertions of the wills and desires of individual men or organizations into the original belief systems. This corruption of the original messages through edicts of those in power have altered considerably the most basic tenants of the systems as they exist today. The historical mandates of tolerance, acceptance, and right treatment of ALL other men has been replaced by non-inclusiveness, isolation of the followers, materialism of the oligarchies, and again, the sacrifice of the followers lives and well-being to serve the edicts of the leadership. A fomenting of ignorance, intolerance, hatred, and murder for the service of the organizations has been the result rather than the humanitarian service to the Divine and fellow human-being as professed by the original tenants from within all the belief systems.

These very changes have led to nearly all of the “religious” conflicts that we have seen played out for nearly 1700 years. In 3600 years, there have been no gaps to be found in the “wars of religions”. This shocked me at first, but it again is important to realize that had the processes within “comparative religion” been in search of similarities and lead to the exposition of the disparities now found within the individual belief systems, the deceptions and insertions used for manipulation of followers would not have had the chance to prevail. It is through the manipulation, both academically and theologically that the “great divides” have been able to fester until the “Abyss” is nearly insurmountable for those without the accesses that many in the West take for granted. This lack of access coupled with the lack of historical references could have been abated, the effects lessened through “due diligence” in study of foundational literature instead of “interpretive“ statements and writings we find in use today.

The fact that this aspect, the truly objective studies of religious systems has been ignored in “comparative religious studies” does not in any way mean that it is not relevant to an individual’s growth and their attempts toward inclusiveness within the global belief systems. In fact, the very act of ignoring this issue reveals its importance. It is the core foundations of the belief systems that should be the most emphasized in order to discover the bridged long ago burned by those who have created the divisions. At the core, to find the original texts and teachings we find the system as it was intended with the insertions by modern (or ancient) authorities stripped from the doctrines and dogmas we see today.

***Apologetics (from Greek απολογία, "speaking in defense") is the discipline of defending a position (usually religious) through the systematic use of reason. Early Christian writers of the 1st to 8th centuries, who defended their faith against critics and recommended their faith to outsiders were called apologists. In modern times, “apologist” refers to authors, writers, editors or academic journals, and leaders known for defending the points in arguments, conflicts, or positions that receive great popular scrutiny or are minority views. Both Christians and Mohammedans have what would be called Apologetics, but in both instances we see defense of positions that have been formed and adulterated by clergy long after the establishment of the belief systems. This can also be said of many other systems of belief. 

The chief problem is that they defend edicts, editorialized texts, insertions, interpretations, and deletions within their fields creating a deceptive presentation to their followers. For centuries we find interpretations made for self-serving or materialistic purposes substituted for the tenants and foundational doctrines within many of the systems of today. Without due research or regard for the facts we then see academia and instructors picking up from those already corrupted points forward with no regard for the transgressions and alterations inserted into the systems that have taken place. 

It is FACT, that throughout the last 1500 years an ongoing process of censorship and historical butchery has been propagated on the greatest works of antiquity. Bunsen himself stated that "Berosus and Eusebius (Chronicon) of Greece, under the auspices of the Bishop of Caesarea mutilated history most unscrupulously". Socrates denounced Eusebius works as forgery and fantasy, yet the Roman Christians and modern Protestantism are founded upon them? Cunningly created lies and manipulations or creative defamation of history, events, and great men of character has been the means. The result of slander, of ancient teachings mangled beyond practical usefulness, and changing them to those now being taught has been for what purpose? Bigotry and materialism.…” From “Ransom Your Soul”…by this writer.

This is the case throughout many of current belief systems but is not accurately reflected in the practice of “Comparative Religion”. 

From circa 280BC to 1100BC, any works by Judeans, early Christians, or even the greater of the recognized philosophers were subjected to conformation with the Roman Oligarchy. If it was not conducive to expansion of materialistic holdings and completely in line with the orthodoxy of the time, it was discarded or hidden away in vaults. Only through accidental discovery do we have the “Dead Sea Scrolls” and other early period works available to us now for comparison. It should be of no surprise to any serious student that much that has been recovered does not fall in line with the changes made over the next 200-400 years. This again points to the need to seek the origins, the foundations of systems whenever possible. 

Though today, one system of belief is measured off, categorized, and compared to the others either in existence or from history, there is little comparison of current practices to those of their origins even in deep study theology coursework. If knowing the differences and similarities of practices from one system to another is of great importance for practical knowledge, interfaith relations, and theological knowledge, then how much more so is the knowledge of change? The inaccurate depictions, replacement practices and doctrines, insertion of false authorities, and tenants adapted from clergy that are in stark contrast to the foundational principles are tantamount to creation of true understanding, growth of humanity as proclaimed throughout the systems that are part of the studies, and the ending of conflict based upon ignorance and manipulation. 

This aspect of “Comparative Religious Studies” is intentionally over-looked. However, the very revelation of the circumstances behind the divisions creates an understanding not only of the systems as they are now, but the history of the systems and the people who practice them. To study the adaptations and progression of changes from the founding principles to what is seen and experienced today is to know how to better relate to those whom we would interact. It has been said that to do so is to be “intolerant” of the beliefs of others. However, I would argue that revealing the similarities and the adulterations is the bridge so many have sought and that this would create greater tolerance. More importantly, to reveal how, who, and why the historical changes have been made to the original systems is to remove the disparity and divisions that have been falsely created. 

As a student of religion, philosophy, and theology it is clearly understood by me that I can not know all, I can not know all that is true, and I can never know all things. It prevails upon any who would begin to seek their individual “path” to be tolerant and understanding…I strive to do so. More importantly, being a student of any belief system that is based upon ethics and morality, any who would seek honesty, truth, and integrity in their presentations to others and for their own understanding should demand of themselves complete knowledge of the systems. For complete understanding of an individual system this means that more than a comparison between differing systems should be undertaken. 

It means that you seek the source materials, archeological findings, and earliest presentations of the tenants, find any of the ideological changes over time, and also make note of the modern interpretive changes. You should also know and understand both the modern and historical insertions by the clergy. You seek the truth of the teachings. To practice “Comparative Religion” is to also compare a system today to its foundations. To categorize, label, and show the differences is relevant. To show the geographical origins reveals a culture or ethnic relativity. To understand the tenants, rites, rituals, and sacred holdings is to be respectful and tolerant. However, to accept any teachings on the authority of tradition and longevity is to do yourself and any you would share your “path” with a great disservice.

"Believe nothing on the faith of traditions, even though they have been held in honor for many generations and in diverse places. Do not believe a thing because many people speak of it. Do not believe on the faith of the sages of the past. Do not believe what you yourself have imagined, persuading yourself that a God inspires you. Believe nothing on the sole authority of your masters and priests. After examination, believe what you yourself have tested and found to be reasonable, and conform your conduct thereto." (Buddha)

As only a small example, Protestantism in the United States changed dramatically from the 1600’s to the 1900’s. There was a ban on all celebrations of Christmas and Easter because of their Eastern Mystery religious origins for quite some time in various places including Boston. Tremendous interpretive changes were made in the 1800’s that led to the creation of even more divisions within the Protestant systems. The 7th Day Adventist congregations were formed as the result of an individual group of interpretations that set them at odds with others of the time. Christian Science and numerous others were formed based on the interpretations of individuals and a coalescing of ideas into a larger group or region of people. That the new interpretations in many cases were devoid of teachings accepted for 2000 years or so was and still remains irrelevant to those in the fractured groups. That the interpretations in the 1800’s were made based upon interpretive texts of the Tyndale and King James Bibles that were made by the interpretations of the Gutenberg and Geneva Bibles that were made by the interpretations of the interpretations of the…well, I guess you get the point. By the time of Justin and Irenaeus texts had been edited, replaced by interpretations and the point is that to “compare” we also need to compare “oranges to oranges.”

There was a time when a traveler could enter into an Arab or Hebrew territory and say, “Peace be to you.” You were welcomed with hospitality and respect. The saying itself is not core to only the Abrahamic religions. This is found in the greetings of Native Americans, South American Natives, Hindu, Buddhist, and many other regions. It was not only a sign of your intentions but an instant revelation that you possessed a “system of belief”. Do not misunderstand me, thieves and road pirates would also use this greeting so it was not a guarantee of legitimate purpose by a traveler. However, one would be welcomed, shared what you carried, and were treated with respect, honor, and dignity. There would be prayer, a meal, and great conversations. The traveler would be asked to tell of his travels and the host would relate things about his people, his family, and his way of life. It was almost expected that one would tell of their individual experiences of “faith” or how their “beliefs” were met. 

Lifetime friendships were founded upon a meal and sharing ones experiences. Difference of “belief systems” was not as important as having a belief. Even those who honored many beings were accepted within regions that had monotheistic practices and visa versa. The prophets of one system were listened to intently and their wisdoms were shared with equal respect. Sayings and teachings that were taken to heart were then shared by the participants with others of their own systems, their own ethnic or regional people. Personally, I would love to have the opportunity to sit with people of many faiths all at one meal sharing our experiences of faith and purpose without calling upon all our differences. The opportunity to share the workings of things through our walk along our “paths“, the miraculous and beautiful we have witnessed within our lives or with our own eyes, the trials, the joys, the sorrows…a lifetime of meals would sure make for amazing friendships.

Though in years not long past this was possible in so many places for people of so completely different ideas, almost contrary systems, the modern influences have made artificial enemies of so many peoples who would have the good of all of mankind for their purpose if not for the changes made over time. Though nearly all claim the well-being of all men, brotherhood of all of mankind,  and the origin of a “Creator” (or creative element, central “LOGOS”, etc) we find some killing others because they dance in the opposite direction. Though the founders all had similar messages, teaching of love, integrity, honesty, and responsibility to all our fellow men and the earth we have been given, we find hatred, murder, and seeking of worldly gains in the name of the belief system with the sacrifice of the earth, the animals, and other people for that gain. Digging deeply we find the same tenants, the same lessons of tolerance, the same lessons of personal responsibility, and the same lessons of seeking the truth in all things, while just under the surface we find murder and destruction of sacred places because they are not “our” sacred places, a violation of nearly all the foundational writings. 

I say again. Had there truly been an attempt to seek the truth, to dig deep into the work of “comparing religions” with themselves as well as with others, many of the heinous acts we have seen for centuries would never had a foot-hold to have began with. It would have likely kept many prejudices from having the opportunity to insert itself in the individual systems as well. The pursuit of “Comparison” with emphasis on differences rather than seeking core foundational teachings that reveal the overwhelming similarities has been a great shortfall over time and today continues to be used as a propagandistic weapon of separation, isolation, intolerance, and a festering ignorance intentionally perpetrated upon the followers. I do not mean that as a student and a person along our “individual paths” that we stand by and let known deceit continue unabated. If deceit, misrepresentations, and alterations are found, it is our place to make that information available. Once we gain the knowledge there are only a few systems which call for “holding” it for ones own use and they are not only a minority, but are very late modifications to older systems. If you are from one of those few systems, “Peace be to you as well”. I am not intending an insult to any group, but merely pointing out that a responsibility exists in most systems to share revelations and to condemn bastardizations inserted in contradiction to the original works, texts, and teachings.

Writing, blogging, sharing our experiences with those who are “seeking” is not interfering nor is it imposing. To show the similarities we have discovered on our pages allows those without access to our resources to make the same comparisons we have and to decide for themselves if they have been misled to believe an untruth about another system. To reveal any changes that are made by an individual, made outside the tenants of a system, or implemented by the clergy in the system in contradiction to the texts and teachings of antiquity is to give others the opportunity to find what they seek as well. They would not find your works or listen to you if they were not seeking, your system of belief makes no difference. I have learned through individuals and from writings from Qabalists, Judeans, Orthodox groups from varying systems, Mohammedan, Protestant, Catholic, Zoroastrian, Taoist, Buddhist, and many others. I have been corrected, had my preconceived understanding of many belief systems destroyed, and have discovered many changes that were made that created the conflicts within me when looking at the systems as they are today. 

I would hope that this viewpoint would be of help and refreshing to any who are seeking the information locked into the various systems. Though the foundations are similar, the words used and the presentation of the same morality, ethics, responsibilities toward others, self-responsibility, and relationship to the “Cosmos” and “Logos” are presented from many points of view and in many differing ways. What are essentially the same teachings are found explained in numerous ways throughout the belief systems. When one way of presentation does not work for you or for helping another person, you can find the same concept and teaching in a variety of ways to better your understanding and your ability to relate the idea clearly to a much larger number of people. 

 


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