The Maui News

Primitive religions persist to present

-

Primitive religions persist to the present day. Generally, they revolve around the commands of lesser or “astral gods” and the actions of “angels” and other heralds.

We know them because the commands, doctrines, dogmas and creeds are attributed to a vengeful, violent and merciless figure, who demands obedience; threatens retributio­n; and creates fear, anxiety and guilt.

Then too, organizati­ons or churches “mediating” between man and god are usually part of a primitive appeal for salvation.

These religions are in sharp contrast to the Gospels of the New Testament. Having been written before strong and strange influences of church and clergy, they are full of hope, light, tenderness, compassion, mercy and inclusive virtues. That is, until Jesus is set upon by followers of primitive beliefs.

The Old Testament seems to be a long tale of slave/master relations. The master threatens and acts in cruel ways. The slave cringes and tries to act in subservien­t ways.

One must only read First Corinthian­s; Exodus; Numbers; First Kings; First and Second Chronicles; Judges; Isaiah; Jeremiah; Leviticus and other sections of the Old Testament, in order to feel soaked in the blood of god’s anger; unreasonab­le judgments and utter disregard for human life.

To identify a primitive religion, ask oneself: Is it the mouthpiece of a frightenin­g god? Does it treat women and children with disrespect and neglect? Does it preach the insufficie­ncy of one’s soul for an appeal to a higher power, but rather insists upon ecclesiast­ic intermedia­tion for salvation?

Raphael O’Suna Haiku

▪Submit letters on subjects of n general interest via the Virtual Newsroom on the website (www. mauinews.com), or by email (opinions@mauinews.com. Include writer’s full name, community and verificati­on telephone number. Letters must not exceed 250 words; no handwritte­n letters are accepted. Writers are limited to two published letters per month.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States