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The term [[wikipedia:Allegory|Allegory]] is chosen to describe the relationship between [[religious]] [[scripture]] and the natural [[universe]] because it implies the intent on the part of the [[Authors|author]] to describe one thing (the [[universe]] and human [[morality]]) by telling a story a story about another thing ([[god]]). | The term [[wikipedia:Allegory|Allegory]] is chosen to describe the relationship between [[religious]] [[scripture]] and the natural [[universe]] because it implies the intent on the part of the [[Authors|author]] to describe one thing (the [[universe]] and human [[morality]]) by telling a story a story about another thing ([[god]]). | ||
It is more generally inclusive than [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphor Metaphor], so this [[wiki]] will not typically distinguish between them to avoid redundant links. | It is more generally inclusive than [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphor Metaphor], so this [[wiki]] will not typically distinguish between them to avoid redundant links.<blockquote>''"Wordsworth wrote "[https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45521/i-wandered-lonely-as-a-cloud I wandered lonely as a cloud]" but clouds don't have legs. How was he able to get away with that kind of stuff?" -[[wikipedia:Cunk_on_Britain|Philomena Cunk]]''</blockquote>Interpreting [[scripture]] as allegory is the alternative to [[literalism]]. It is also the most important [[Necessary Prerequisite|first step]] towards developing a [[Belief System|belief system]] based on [[science]] and [[Reason|rationality]]. As such, [[scripture]], [[literalism]] and allegory are heavily referenced throughout this [[wiki]]. | ||
== The First Step Towards Truth == | |||
The [[belief systems]] we adopt when we are young tend towards the [[literal]]. There are many [[wikipedia:Cognitive_development|cognitive development theories]] outlined on the [[necessary prerequisites]] page that provide a [[scientific]] framework for why this is. At a certain level of [[education]] and reading comprehension, the [[literal]] interpretation of [[scripture]] is the easiest way for the [[mind]] to to comprehend the [[universe]], develop a system of [[ethics]], and a sense of [[Meaning of Life|meaning in life]]. | |||
Recognizing that language, [[scripture]], and [[religion]] are all rooted in symbolism and allegory, and that no text can be read except through the personal and [[cultural]] lens of the reader, frees you from the [[cognitive dissonance]] of [[supernatural]] contradiction. Now you can start looking for [[evidence]] of the [[reality]] behind the metaphor instead of trying to prove the [[literal]] existence of symbols. This is a far more interesting, [[Complexity|complex]], and intellectually rewarding exercise. | |||
The [[Fractal Tree of Knowledge]] shows the series of [[logical]] conclusions that this leads to. | |||
== Mapping Metaphors == | == Mapping Metaphors == | ||
Revision as of 07:28, 12 December 2024
The term Allegory is chosen to describe the relationship between religious scripture and the natural universe because it implies the intent on the part of the author to describe one thing (the universe and human morality) by telling a story a story about another thing (god).
It is more generally inclusive than Metaphor, so this wiki will not typically distinguish between them to avoid redundant links.
"Wordsworth wrote "I wandered lonely as a cloud" but clouds don't have legs. How was he able to get away with that kind of stuff?" -Philomena Cunk
Interpreting scripture as allegory is the alternative to literalism. It is also the most important first step towards developing a belief system based on science and rationality. As such, scripture, literalism and allegory are heavily referenced throughout this wiki.
The First Step Towards Truth
The belief systems we adopt when we are young tend towards the literal. There are many cognitive development theories outlined on the necessary prerequisites page that provide a scientific framework for why this is. At a certain level of education and reading comprehension, the literal interpretation of scripture is the easiest way for the mind to to comprehend the universe, develop a system of ethics, and a sense of meaning in life.
Recognizing that language, scripture, and religion are all rooted in symbolism and allegory, and that no text can be read except through the personal and cultural lens of the reader, frees you from the cognitive dissonance of supernatural contradiction. Now you can start looking for evidence of the reality behind the metaphor instead of trying to prove the literal existence of symbols. This is a far more interesting, complex, and intellectually rewarding exercise.
The Fractal Tree of Knowledge shows the series of logical conclusions that this leads to.
Mapping Metaphors
One of the goals of the metaculture wiki is to provide a "mapping" between common religious beliefs and sayings with their real-world analogs. This helps reinforce the truth behind these beliefs, while moving them from faith to certainty in the mind of the believer by providing the scientific evidence behind them.
Some examples are:
Allegory Videos