I\u2019ve long believed that the great gulf in religion is not so much from one faith to another, but rather between sanctimonious cranks of any creed who point fingers and those of any religion who humbly seek inspiration to live better lives. Armstrong\u2019s exploration of Scripture across so many traditions reinforces my view.<\/p>\n
The ancient Chinese scholar Xunzi complained about an early version of what today we might call religious blowhards. \u201cThe learning of the petty man enters his ear and comes out of his mouth,\u201d Xunzi protested, adding that the words have affected only \u201cthe four inches between ear and mouth.\u201d Instead, the aim for a wise man should be that learning \u201centers his ear, clings to his mind, spreads through his four limbs and manifests itself in his actions.\u201d<\/p>\n
Scriptures historically were infused with contradiction and mystery, intertwined with ritual and music, to offer glimpses of deep truths and often to promote ethical behavior. Scriptures typically evolved flexibly to promote compassion, empathy and magnanimity \u2014 so it is particularly sad when today they are cherry-picked by ideologues, wrenched from context, to justify rigid and pusillanimous dogma.<\/p>\n
Read it all<\/a>.<\/p>\n What Is the Meaning of Sacred Texts?<\/p>\n Karen Armstrong writes, \u201cGiven our current problems, the scriptures\u2019 faith in the divine potential of all human beings seems particularly relevant.\u201d \u2066@NickKristof<\/a>\u2069<\/p>\n AN IMPORTANT NEW BOOKhttps:\/\/t.co\/9JxZAPEFKg<\/a> via @NYTimes<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Father Edward Beck (@FrEdwardBeck) November 11, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n