halfmoon.org
We are all at the mercy of a universe we cannot control. And so, particularly at times when events of great importance arise, we struggle to discover ways to appease nature or find help. In modern cultures this struggle might involve scientific research; the classic Maya had their own methods, based on their own beliefs.
<snip> (ouch !)
How was the bloodletting done? A woman might run a rope through her tongue, while a man might cut his penis with a sharp object.
Amazing, that cultures worlds apart would do the same things. The more I read about "religion", "sacrifices", "old rites" etc. etc. etc... a common denominator stands out.
Ignorance.
However, I disagree that "in modern cultures, this struggle might involve scientific research".
Science has slowly taken out most "mysteries" (as defined by religions). In spite of the religious influence, scientist have managed to do so. Indeed it is a struggle BECAUSE of religion. However, momentum is now growing where science will accelerate its progress and continue with discoveries, free from the religious drag.
Not an moment too soon. Religion owes humanity at least a thousand years of advances. [had science been free of religious influence]. |
