An "Expansion" of Faith
I recently heard of a concept called the Expansion Theory, in relation to inspired works of scripture, and it immediately helped my faith to, well, expand, so I felt it worthy to mention here:
In a previous article, I talked about Honesty in Religion. Mainly, I was concerned with the intentional covering-up of "darker" spots to make a religion appear more palatable on the outside. This concept seems to be related, but not the same, because this one does not involve intentional deviation from truth on the part of any person. Well, here it is:
Every person who receives revelation, inspiration, visions or impressions, when trying to communicate them to other people, has to translate them from "brain language" into their own native language, and into concrete symbols and words. In so doing, they by necessity of human nature, taint the material by their own thoughts, life experiences, religious and social background. The only time such a record can be 100% faithful to the event, without embellishing, is when actual words were heard and afterward recorded, and even then, it could take an incredibly strong mind to remember with the necessary exactness to put forward these things without error.
How much "expansion" actually occurs? It probably depends a great deal on many factors. In some cases, God has given specific approval of the end product in some way, to indicate that it is "good enough" to serve the intended purposes.
What does this really meant? It means that the language and trappings of scripture and religious practice can be influenced heavily by those who are receiving them, and yet the status of the revealed word is not threatened by this fact.
As a word of caution, do not take this to the extreme! We cannot use this concept as a cover-all to write off serious doctrinal errors. We could use it, however, to explain why Solomon's Temple so closely resembled the Phoenician Temple of Melqart in Tyre. Of course, the employment of builders from Tyre provides a more direct connection. Scriptures indicate that God did approve of this structure, so the Phoenician influence was acceptable in the sight of God.
by Jeff @ 8:01 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
This is an intresting idea... however in my personal thoughs are that truthfuly the gods and goddesses dont realy care about us as people... because we are not a thret to them nore do we help them they help us from time to time but i think that has more to do with summuoning undevine-willed energys than a devine-willed god or goddess might help some one so the final output of one's though would be totaly un inflanced by gods or goddesses
Matt,
First, thanks for your comment. But, I think you are missing the boat on what my point has been lately. My theory is that we, humans, may become Holy Spirits after this life. We are the ones assigned to look out for other people. Like Guardian Angels.
As humans, of course we care about other humans. Especially if we can attain the Mind of the Father, meaning the wisdom and special kinship to the first Father of our species.
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