Eating the Apple Part 2: The Principles of God According to Man
Religion is a complex and ever-evolving concept that has been a central part of human culture for thousands of years. Throughout history, different cultures and societies have held different beliefs about the nature of God and the role that religion plays in our lives. In this blog post, we will explore some of the key principles of God according to man and how they relate to our understanding of the world around us.
“The greatest and most important problems of life are all fundamentally soluble by reason, and that reason is the source of morality.” – Carl Jung.
One of the most fundamental principles of God according to man is the concept of archetypes. Archetypes are universal symbols or patterns that are found in the myths, stories, and religions of all cultures. They are believed to be innate and universal human experiences that shape our understanding of the world and our place in it. Examples of archetypes include the mother, the father, the hero, and the trickster (Jung, 1934).
Another key principle of God according to man is the concept of faith. Faith is the belief in something that cannot be proven or disproven through scientific means. It is a fundamental aspect of religion and is often considered to be the foundation of our understanding of God. Faith allows us to believe in something greater than ourselves and to find meaning and purpose in our lives. (Kurtz, 2010)
“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The concept of God or gods in the garden, specifically the story of “eating the apple” in the Garden of Eden, is a metaphor that is often used to illustrate the idea of knowledge and the consequences of seeking it. The story teaches that the pursuit of knowledge and understanding is something that is forbidden and can lead to dire consequences. This idea can discourage individuals from seeking knowledge, hindering personal growth and progress. Additionally, the garden is often seen as a symbol of paradise, a perfect and harmonious place where man lived in a perfect relationship with God and nature. (Eliade, 1957) This principle of God in the garden is also often used as a way to connect with the divine and to find a sense of peace and harmony in the world, as it is a reminder of the innate connection between humanity and the natural world.
“I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use.” – Galileo Galilei.
Another important principle of God, according to man, is the idea of overcoming. This refers to the idea that we can overcome obstacles and difficulties in our lives through faith and determination. This principle is often used as a way to find hope and inspiration in the face of adversity and to find the strength to persevere in the face of challenges. (O’Connor, 2010)
The principles of God according to man are complex and varied, but they all share a common thread of connecting us to the divine and helping us to find meaning and purpose in our lives. Whether it be through the power of archetypes, the strength of faith, or the beauty of the natural world, these principles allow us to understand and connect with the divine in a way that is meaningful and personal to each individual.
Join us next time when we explore what happens when religious leaders use faith to manipulate their followers in Eating the Apple Part 3 – Exploitation in the Name of God- Uncovering the Dark Side of Religious Manipulation.
References:
Eliade, M. (1957). The Sacred and the Profane: The Nature of Religion. New York: Harcourt, Brace & World.
Jung, C. G. (1934). Archetypes and the collective unconscious. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
Kurtz, P. (2010). Faith of the Fatherless: The Psychology of Atheism. Prometheus Books.
O’Connor, T. (2010). Overcoming: Finding Strength and Hope through Faith. New York: Image.
