MINDLESS MUSINGS

As far as I know, every empire worshiped a god or gods in some form. As they expanded, they may have invited or insisted on the conversion of their new citizens. However, the religion was a part of the empire, not the basis of it. To my knowledge there are only two major religions that literally set out to convert the world, and both are steadfast monotheist.

For the purpose of this exercise, I will remain strictly in the natural world and my own general understanding of people’s beliefs. I do not intend to critique specific religions. I am focused on the power of The Message and how it can inspire and connect people, yet simultaneously cause division, hostility and outright hatred.

It is generally understood that Zoroastrianism was the original 1 and only 1 God religion. Whilst not part of the ‘Abrahamic’ religions, many scholars point out the similarities. So, whereas Judaism is 2^nd in the monotheistic stakes, they did lead the charge for the ‘Desert’ religions. The big 3 being Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

As a kid I was always fascinated with the similarity between the Greek and Roman Gods, and I think that carried over to the 3 most known monotheistic religions. Some idea about using the foundation as a springboard to a new and improved version.

Moving right along, the Jewish people kicked around with the Pharaohs and the Romans with their separate hosts of Gods and Goddesses. The Hebrew Bible made a bold claim that these two mighty empires and their plethora of deities were not just foolish, they were headed for eternal damnation! Big call. The Tanakh asserted that there was one and only one God. Full stop, no room for debate.

The Jewish community unlike the two mega-religions that followed were not concerned with gaining converts. They had more an exclusive club vibe going on. We are God’s chosen people and you are not; bad luck for you.

Back in those days there were innumerable belief systems and no shortage of prophets insisting they were the spokesperson for the real supreme being/s. So, all supernatural elements aside it is most profound that one wandering Jew would gather such a massive following. Whether he existed or not, there is no denying the overwhelming popularity of the story and the book!

Jesus was long gone before Christianity really took off. Believe in him or not, this thing was huge! You often hear people claiming that theirs is a religion of peace, well these original Jesus devotees took that non-violent resistance stuff to a new level. It’s certainly impressive to see an army charge ahead courageously with the conviction of their faith. If they keep kicking ass you are forced to wonder if they have divine backing.

Imagine confronting an enemy that, first, refuses to view you as an enemy. Next, they refuse to fight and if you insist on violence, they are content to die and are comforted in the knowledge they will be with their maker. That’s some sublime stuff! True or not, that is an awe-inspiring concept.

I can still recall the confusion during a screening of Quo Vadis (1951) in high school. Nero is showing these Christians whose boss and having them herded into the arena for the entertainment of Rome. They are to be fed to the lions and as an old wise man stands among the crowd of spectators, silence falls.

The old bloke blesses those about to be eaten. He asks God to soothe their pain and suffering. He assures them and everyone present that they will soon be with their Lord in heaven. What? No wrath of vengeance? No “our God will see you in hell for this”? No valiant uprising? What kind of victory is this?

The victims devotedly sing hymns as they await their fate. Later in the proceedings more believers are burned alive! These martyrs sing their devout praises even during this unimaginable torture. Pardon my French, but Holy Shit!!!!!

If ever there were a display of unwavering faith, this must be it. To resist murderous hatred with compassion and resignation has to affect the aggressor psychologically. It would be fucken freaky to say the least!

A peculiar recruitment pitch though: “No one turns the other cheek like us!”

Jokes aside, try to imagine living in this era of religious fervour. These Christians are prepared to passively suffer and die for their God. Maybe they know something we don’t. That kind of conviction has an allure all its own.

God or no God it is miraculous how this faith grew as influential as it did. inevitably the empire builders got hold of this spiritual blockbuster and locked it down with dogma. A kind of religious copyright if you will. They continued its expansion and of course it became a cash cow of biblical proportions!

Then it became a tool of tyranny and conquest: Blood-soaked Crusades, colonisation and witch-hunts all sprouting from this seed of love and compassion. Translation, interpretation and bastardisation split this divine message into countless variations. More on that later.