God Questions......

[Quagmire]

The universe itself is encoded with a certain DNA by which it's self-regulated. Likewise, this underlying structure maintains the integrity of the cosmos and thus in time, rishi's, seers and sages came to understand the intricacies of all that Nature reveals to those with the initiative and desire to grasp that which had been kept hidden from the foundations of the world. Such ancient wise men began to unravel certain mysteries and to understand that a myriad of opposites and contrary forces were at work which in turn demanded the observation of certain 'laws' which, were they to be broken will exact penalties for such transgressions.

That's the religious take on it anyway.

 

[Apollonius]

That's the religious take on it anyway.

Really? .. which religion would that be?

 

[Quagmire]

Really? .. which religion would that be?

Several, actually. The whole idea of opposing forces operating in the universe "which in turn demanded the observation of certain 'laws' which, were they to be broken will exact penalties for such transgressions" is the formula that's been used by societal leaders to insure obedience by the populace of purely societal---man made-- laws ever since social legislation became necessary.

Once humankind began to outgrow the natural checks and balances imposed upon him by nature, but found himself still very much under the influence of primitive instincts, the need arose for him to place regulating factors upon himself: either externally through legislation or internally through philosophy and religious discipline.

Religion originally served in both capacities.

 

[Apollonius]

Several, actually. The whole idea of opposing forces operating in the universe "which in turn demanded the observation of certain 'laws' which, were they to be broken will exact penalties for such transgressions" is the formula that's been used by societal leaders to insure obedience by the populace of purely societal---man made-- laws ever since social legislation became necessary.

Once humankind began to outgrow the natural checks and balances imposed upon him by nature, but found himself still very much under the influence of primitive instincts, the need arose for him to place regulating factors upon himself: either externally through legislation or internally through philosophy and religious discipline.

Religion originally served in both capacities.

As to the first part of your response .. agreed. Of course, it has been my misfortune to have investigated a great many of the religions in that such studies tend to confuse one whose initial aspirations in spiritual matters were for the most part entirely bias due to having been reared in a god-fearing community with a penchant for praising a Christian god. I still possess a firm belief in natural laws as well as the sublime presence of God in Nature, insomuch that for the most part Nature and God are one and the same, .. although it's possibly true that God transcends all else - including Nature. There was a time when men spoke of philosophies rather than religion. Indeed, the Jewish historian, Flavius Josephus referred to the various religions in 1st century Jerusalem by calling them 'philosophies'.

Now, as for religion. It is said that the term itself derives from a Latin word meaning 'to yoke' or 'to bind', which tends to link religion to the Sanskrit word 'yoga' which has the same fundamental meaning.