Belief Systems or Religions

[Fool]

Are most belief systems just a tautology of the general same ideas being expressed differently due to language and cultural differences?

 

[CogentPhilosopher]

Are most belief systems just a tautology of the general same ideas being expressed differently due to language and cultural differences?

I would say no the only things they have in common are what they have to have by definition, faith and the supernatural.

Islam is very different from Wicca for example.

 

[Fool]

I would say no the only things they have in common are what they have to have by definition, faith and the supernatural.

Islam is very different from Wicca for example.

Versions of the Golden Rule in dozens of religions and other sources

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Are most belief systems just a tautology of the general same ideas being expressed differently due to language and cultural differences?

In very broad, simple ways - somewhat. Such as the idea that there is something beyond the material world, that there is some type of existence after death, etc. When you get to specifics and more detailed dogma, less so.

 

[Quintessence]

It does not seem so to me. Though with how some people regard "religion" (requiring something to have certain attributes common to Abrahamic traditions that are technically absent in other religions) you could probably rationalize a case for it.

 

[viole]

Are most belief systems just a tautology of the general same ideas being expressed differently due to language and cultural differences?

Yes, like numbers associated to fate.

In Italy people believe 17 brings bad luck, while other countries abhor 13.

I am sure that such disagreements are just little details that do not defeat the grand, deep and universal idea that some numbers bring bad luck.

Ciao

- viole

 

[Tumah]

Versions of the Golden Rule in dozens of religions and other sources

Doesn't that just tell you that their differences notwithstanding, religions generally agree that among other things, people should also be nice.

 

[CogentPhilosopher]

Versions of the Golden Rule in dozens of religions and other sources

Yeah but that comes from basic human morality. It would be more suprising if it didn't.

 

[LuisDantas]

Are most belief systems just a tautology of the general same ideas being expressed differently due to language and cultural differences?

Many are, but probably not most. Although many of those that do are among the best that exist. There is quite a lot of common ground among the healthy religious doctrines. As is only natural, since their measure is their ability to understand and deal constructively with human beings and their relationship to the environment.

You should however take into account that many doctrines sustain themselves to some measure or another by their contrast to other doctrines. And also, of course, that there is no shortage of failed doctrines that nonetheless survive and are treated as if they were valid religions by many people. All too often their whole reason for being becomes an odd form of victim syndrome.

 

[Fool]

Doesn't that just tell you that their differences notwithstanding, religions generally agree that among other things, people should also be nice.

most indubitably.

the ancient practice of hospitality to all way faring strangers is a lost art. i am my brothers keeper; especially my suffering brother.

 

[George-ananda]

Are most belief systems just a tautology of the general same ideas being expressed differently due to language and cultural differences?

I think at the most abstract level (what it basically comes down to) yes, 'brotherly love' is the idea.