Basically, all religions have the same core tenets.
1. Have love for others. 2. Don't value material things more than you value each other.
I have a theory for this. I call it the Natural Guilt theory. That is, that we are born with a core value system that is part of nature's way of balancing our survival instincts against the needs of the greater whole of the living universe.
All religions start with this core, then dilute it as survival and territorial instincts kick in.
For example.
Love your neighbor and place books. Love your neighbor and pray 5 times a day to Mecca. Love your neighbor and keep the sabbath. Love your neighbor and come to mass every day.
I like that basic set of ideas. Makes sense to me. I wanted to add a couple ideas that, I think, tie in. I think, we, as well as other complex animals are born with a natural tendency towards love and even altruism. The mother's instinct to nurture and protect the young leads to offspring that have these characteristics. Of course, things can go wrong, that mess up this natural order of things, but I think the majority of us humans are preprogramed towards goodness and religious beliefs only reinforce what is already there.
Perhaps, I see the world through rose colored glasses, and this view is overly optimistic.
For those who find flaws in this line of reasoning, have at it. I was born with a thick skin (and a thick skull perhaps). Opposing views are welcome.
Good argumentations Joel and Larc. Most humans are communal, and we need these qualities in order to live together and protect our offspring. I think there is an element selfishness in altruism though - the better the community the better protection for ourselves and our children.
My husband says that it is all down to the genetic imperative, but he is allowed to have his own views.
I have contemplated this subject often. What still is a puzzeler for me is, the profound effect our upbringing has on the 'guilt' or internalized social norms.
Many studies show those with no such early guidance, are replete with no consicence or feelings about 'right and wrong'...so it remains a mind teaser for me.
You make a good point ... religions tend to embellish and add layers onto the core or basic values. Then these embellishments become tradition, ritual, and eventually a law that is given greater weight then the original value embellished upon. - Amazing
But why do religions add these things to basic nature? I have found in my research it is for control and greed. If left alone humans would do better without their "Gods".
