Religion - Revision history

Michael at 15:03, 5 September 2026

2026-09-05T15:03:00Z

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	[[Avatar.GLOBAL Knowledge System]] > {{#ask:[[Is a key term::Avatar.GLOBAL Knowledge System]]\|format=ul\|sort=Has sort AG}}		[[Avatar.GLOBAL Knowledge System]] > {{#ask:[[Is a key term::Avatar.GLOBAL Knowledge System]]\|format=ul\|sort=Has sort AG}}

	[[Spiritual Theory]] > {{#ask:[[Is a keyword::Spiritual Theory]]~~\|format=ul~~}}		[[Spiritual Theory]] > {{#ask:[[Is a keyword::Spiritual Theory]]}}

	[[Religion]] > {{#ask:[[Is a keyword::Religion]]~~\|format=ul~~}}		[[Religion]] > {{#ask:[[Is a keyword::Religion]]}}

	~~===Types===~~

			=== Types ===
	[[Religion]] > {{#ask:[[Is a subclass of::Religion]]\|format=ul}}		[[Religion]] > {{#ask:[[Is a subclass of::Religion]]\|format=ul}}

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	[[Is a related term::Boundary Problem\| ]]		[[Is a related term::Boundary Problem\| ]]
	[[Is a related term::Spirituality\| ]]		[[Is a related term::Spirituality\| ]]
			[[Is a related term::Means of Reproduction\| ]]
	[[Is a related term::Exoteric Religion\| ]]		[[Is a related term::Exoteric Religion\| ]]
	[[Is a related term::Esoteric Religion\| ]]		[[Is a related term::Esoteric Religion\| ]]

Michael at 14:34, 5 September 2026

2026-09-05T14:34:16Z

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	[[Avatar.GLOBAL Knowledge System]] > {{#ask:[[Is a key term::Avatar.GLOBAL Knowledge System]]\|format=ul\|sort=Has sort AG}}		[[Avatar.GLOBAL Knowledge System]] > {{#ask:[[Is a key term::Avatar.GLOBAL Knowledge System]]\|format=ul\|sort=Has sort AG}}

	[[Spiritual Theory]] > {{#ask:[[Is a keyword::Spiritual Theory]]}}		[[Spiritual Theory]] > {{#ask:[[Is a keyword::Spiritual Theory]]\|format=ul}}

	[[Religion]] > {{#ask:[[Is a subclass of::Religion]]}}		[[Religion]] > {{#ask:[[Is a keyword::Religion]]\|format=ul}}

			===Types===

			[[Religion]] > {{#ask:[[Is a subclass of::Religion]]\|format=ul}}

	===Syncretic Terms===		===Syncretic Terms===

	[[Religion]] > {{#ask:[[Is a syncretic term::Religion]]}}		[[Religion]] > {{#ask:[[Is a syncretic term::Religion]]\|format=ul}}

	===Related LP Terms===		===Related LP Terms===

	[[Religion]] > {{#ask:[[Is a related term::Religion]]}}		[[Religion]] > {{#ask:[[Is a related term::Religion]]\|format=ul}}

	===Non-LP Related Terms===		===Non-LP Related Terms===

	[[Religion]] > {{#ask:[[Is a related term::Religion]]}}		[[Religion]] > {{#ask:[[Is a related term::Religion]]\|format=ul}}

	== Notes ==		== Notes ==

Michael at 14:08, 4 September 2026

2026-09-04T14:08:36Z

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	Fromm says because humans don't run on instinct we need a map to guide our actions. This map provides a frame of orientation and an object of devotion, a "goal." He says religion provides that map--a goal and the path to get there.		Fromm says because humans don't run on instinct we need a map to guide our actions. This map provides a frame of orientation and an object of devotion, a "goal." He says religion provides that map--a goal and the path to get there.

			Fromm also points to the "experiential content of religion" as something important. Fromm elaborates the "experiential content of religion" most fully in '''''Psychoanalysis and Religion''''' (1950) and '''''You Shall Be as Gods''''' (1966), with supporting material in ''The Art of Loving'' (1956). He talks about it as the "x experience." This is basically mystical experience or, as we prefer on the LP, [[Connection Experience]].

	==Quotes==		==Quotes==

Michael at 13:53, 4 September 2026

2026-09-04T13:53:43Z

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	"Religion tends to be conceptualized as an external, community-based phenomena in which a particular organized set of beliefs, behaviors, and rituals are institutionalized by individuals sharing similar spiritualities."<ref>Hodge, David R. “The Intrinsic Spirituality Scale: A New Six-Item Instrument for Assessing the Salience of Spirituality as a Motivational Construct.” ''Journal of Social Service Research'' 30, no. 1 (January 1, 2003): 41–61. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1300/J079v30n01_03</nowiki>. 42</ref>		"Religion tends to be conceptualized as an external, community-based phenomena in which a particular organized set of beliefs, behaviors, and rituals are institutionalized by individuals sharing similar spiritualities."<ref>Hodge, David R. “The Intrinsic Spirituality Scale: A New Six-Item Instrument for Assessing the Salience of Spirituality as a Motivational Construct.” ''Journal of Social Service Research'' 30, no. 1 (January 1, 2003): 41–61. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1300/J079v30n01_03</nowiki>. 42</ref>

	'''Erich Fromm:''' Religion is an "group-shared system of thought and action that offers the individual a frame of orientation and an object of devotion."<ref>Erich Fromm, ''To Have or to Be?'' (New York: Harper & Row, 1976), 135.</ref> Fromm felt we all had a "religious need" which is "a frame of orientation and an object of devotion."<ref>Erich Fromm, ''Psychoanalysis and Religion'' (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1950), 25.</ref> On the LP this is basically a reflection of the [[Cognitive Needs]] to know and understand the world. A "frame of orientation" provides a way of understanding the world and our place in it. An object of devotion gives our life meaning. The object of devotion provides us with "where to go and what too live for."<ref>Erich Fromm, ''Psychoanalysis and Religion'' (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1950), 3.</ref>		=== Erich Fromm ===
			'''Erich Fromm:''' Religion is a "group-shared system of thought and action that offers the individual a frame of orientation and an object of devotion."<ref>Erich Fromm, ''To Have or to Be?'' (New York: Harper & Row, 1976), 135.</ref> Fromm felt we all had a "religious need" which is "a frame of orientation and an object of devotion."<ref>Erich Fromm, ''Psychoanalysis and Religion'' (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1950), 25.</ref> On the LP this is basically a reflection of the [[Cognitive Needs]] to know and understand the world. A "frame of orientation" provides a way of understanding the world and our place in it. An object of devotion gives our life meaning. The object of devotion provides us with "where to go and what too live for."<ref>Erich Fromm, ''Psychoanalysis and Religion'' (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1950), 3.</ref>

			Fromm distinguished between religions that "further human development, the unfolding of specifically human powers, or one that paralyzes human growth."<ref>Erich Fromm, ''To Have or to Be?'' (New York: Harper & Row, 1976), 125.</ref> He also distinguishes between an individual's "overt" religion, the one that they "officially" profess to, and their "secret" religion, the one that actually roots their values and guides their action. "If, for instance, a man worships power while professing a religion of love, the religion of power is his secret religion, while his so-called official religion, for example Christianity, is only an ideology."<ref>Erich Fromm, ''To Have or to Be?'' (New York: Harper & Row, 1976), 136.</ref>

			Fromm says because humans don't run on instinct we need a map to guide our actions. This map provides a frame of orientation and an object of devotion, a "goal." He says religion provides that map--a goal and the path to get there.

	==Quotes==		==Quotes==

Michael at 12:00, 4 September 2026

2026-09-04T12:00:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:00, 4 September 2026
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	"Religion tends to be conceptualized as an external, community-based phenomena in which a particular organized set of beliefs, behaviors, and rituals are institutionalized by individuals sharing similar spiritualities."<ref>Hodge, David R. “The Intrinsic Spirituality Scale: A New Six-Item Instrument for Assessing the Salience of Spirituality as a Motivational Construct.” ''Journal of Social Service Research'' 30, no. 1 (January 1, 2003): 41–61. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1300/J079v30n01_03</nowiki>. 42</ref>		"Religion tends to be conceptualized as an external, community-based phenomena in which a particular organized set of beliefs, behaviors, and rituals are institutionalized by individuals sharing similar spiritualities."<ref>Hodge, David R. “The Intrinsic Spirituality Scale: A New Six-Item Instrument for Assessing the Salience of Spirituality as a Motivational Construct.” ''Journal of Social Service Research'' 30, no. 1 (January 1, 2003): 41–61. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1300/J079v30n01_03</nowiki>. 42</ref>

	'''Erich Fromm:''' Religion is an "group-shared system of thought and action that offers the individual a frame of orientation and an object of devotion."<ref>Erich Fromm, ''To Have or to Be?'' (New York: Harper & Row, 1976), 135.</ref> Fromm felt we all had a "religious need" which is "a frame of orientation and an object of devotion."<ref>Erich Fromm, ''Psychoanalysis and Religion'' (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1950), 25.</ref> On the LP this is basically a reflection of the [[Cognitive Needs]] to know and understand the world. A "frame of orientation" provides a way of understanding the world and our place in it.		'''Erich Fromm:''' Religion is an "group-shared system of thought and action that offers the individual a frame of orientation and an object of devotion."<ref>Erich Fromm, ''To Have or to Be?'' (New York: Harper & Row, 1976), 135.</ref> Fromm felt we all had a "religious need" which is "a frame of orientation and an object of devotion."<ref>Erich Fromm, ''Psychoanalysis and Religion'' (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1950), 25.</ref> On the LP this is basically a reflection of the [[Cognitive Needs]] to know and understand the world. A "frame of orientation" provides a way of understanding the world and our place in it. An object of devotion gives our life meaning. The object of devotion provides us with "where to go and what too live for."<ref>Erich Fromm, ''Psychoanalysis and Religion'' (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1950), 3.</ref>

	==Quotes==		==Quotes==

Michael at 11:53, 4 September 2026

2026-09-04T11:53:36Z

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	[[Religion]] > {{#ask:[[Is a subclass of::Religion]]}}		[[Religion]] > {{#ask:[[Is a subclass of::Religion]]}}

	==Syncretic Terms==		===Syncretic Terms===

	[[Religion]] > {{#ask:[[Is a syncretic term::Religion]]}}		[[Religion]] > {{#ask:[[Is a syncretic term::Religion]]}}

	==Related LP Terms==		===Related LP Terms===

	[[Religion]] > {{#ask:[[Is a related term::Religion]]}}		[[Religion]] > {{#ask:[[Is a related term::Religion]]}}

	==Non-LP Related Terms==		===Non-LP Related Terms===

	[[Religion]] > {{#ask:[[Is a related term::Religion]]}}		[[Religion]] > {{#ask:[[Is a related term::Religion]]}}
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	"Religion tends to be conceptualized as an external, community-based phenomena in which a particular organized set of beliefs, behaviors, and rituals are institutionalized by individuals sharing similar spiritualities."<ref>Hodge, David R. “The Intrinsic Spirituality Scale: A New Six-Item Instrument for Assessing the Salience of Spirituality as a Motivational Construct.” ''Journal of Social Service Research'' 30, no. 1 (January 1, 2003): 41–61. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1300/J079v30n01_03</nowiki>. 42</ref>		"Religion tends to be conceptualized as an external, community-based phenomena in which a particular organized set of beliefs, behaviors, and rituals are institutionalized by individuals sharing similar spiritualities."<ref>Hodge, David R. “The Intrinsic Spirituality Scale: A New Six-Item Instrument for Assessing the Salience of Spirituality as a Motivational Construct.” ''Journal of Social Service Research'' 30, no. 1 (January 1, 2003): 41–61. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1300/J079v30n01_03</nowiki>. 42</ref>

	'''Erich Fromm:''' Religion is an "group-shared system of thought and action that offers the individual a frame of orientation and an object of devotion."<ref>Erich Fromm, ''To Have or to Be?'' (New York: Harper & Row, 1976), 135.</ref>		'''Erich Fromm:''' Religion is an "group-shared system of thought and action that offers the individual a frame of orientation and an object of devotion."<ref>Erich Fromm, ''To Have or to Be?'' (New York: Harper & Row, 1976), 135.</ref> Fromm felt we all had a "religious need" which is "a frame of orientation and an object of devotion."<ref>Erich Fromm, ''Psychoanalysis and Religion'' (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1950), 25.</ref> On the LP this is basically a reflection of the [[Cognitive Needs]] to know and understand the world. A "frame of orientation" provides a way of understanding the world and our place in it.

	==Quotes==		==Quotes==

Michael at 12:47, 31 August 2026

2026-08-31T12:47:59Z

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	{{navmenu}}		{{navmenu}}
	<h1 class="customtitle">{{FULLPAGENAME}}</h1>		<h1 class="customtitle">{{FULLPAGENAME}}</h1>
	<blockquote class="definition">'''Religion''' is an institution designed to meet certain of the [[Seven Essential Needs]], like cognitive needs for truth, inner needs for alignment and connection~~, and so on~~. </blockquote>		<blockquote class="definition">'''Religion''' is an institution that, like all [[Institutions]] is, designed to meet certain individual and societal needs. Individually, religions meet certain of the [[Seven Essential Needs]], like cognitive needs for truth, and inner needs for alignment and connection. </blockquote>

	==Concept Map==		==Concept Map==
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	=== What it is ===		=== What it is ===
	Like all institutions, religion is designed meet several of humanity's [[Seven Essential Needs]]. ~~Specifically~~, it is designed to meet ~~essential needs~~ for		Like all institutions, religion is designed meet several of humanity's [[Seven Essential Needs]]. Individually, it is designed to meet for

	* cognitive needs for truth and understanding, particularly of oneself and one's relationship to the cosmos,		* cognitive needs for truth and understanding, particularly of oneself and one's relationship to the cosmos,
	* emotional needs for belongingness, inclusion, love,		* emotional needs for belongingness, inclusion, love,
	* [[alignment]], and [[connection]].		* inner needs for [[alignment]], and [[connection]].

	It does this within a ~~'frame of orientation," a shared system of thought~~ that provides answers to to life's [[Big Questions]] (need for truth).		It does this within a conceptual framework that provides answers to to life's [[Big Questions]], thereby ostensibly satisfying our need for truth.

	Whether or not a particular religion, or religion in general, is successful at meeting these essential needs in an authentic and open ~~fashion~~. Note that truth is not equal to fantasy and any religion that offers a fantasy orientation based only in faith ''fails'' out of the gate.		At a societal level, as [[Emile Durkheim]] said, religion also helps maintain and stabilize the social order social solidarity.

			Religions may be more or less successful at meeting individual and societal needs.

			Whether or not a particular religion, or religion in general, is successful at meeting these essential needs in an authentic and open question. Note that truth is not equal to fantasy and any religion that offers a fantasy orientation based only in faith ''fails'' out of the gate.

	=== Colonization ===		=== Colonization ===
	Religion may or may not have, at one time or another, been an authentic effort to meet essential needs. these days, the various religions that exist are colonized institutions. Colonization occurred at various time. Zoroastrianism, for example, was colonized by emperor Aradashir.<ref>Mike Sosteric, “From Zoroaster to Star Wars, Jesus to Marx: The Art, Science, and Technology of Mass Human Manipulation,” ''Athens Journal of Philosophy'', 2024, doi:10.30958/ajphil.3-4-1.</ref> He took control of the grass-roots, anti-elite spirituality of the mystic [[Zoroaster]] and turned it into a thing that supported his imperial ambitions.<ref>Mary Boyce, ''Zoroastrians: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices'' (Routledge, 2001).</ref> Centuries later Emperor Constantine did exactly the same thing, colonized the grass roots spirituality of [[Jesus Christ]],<ref>Sosteric, Mike. Rethinking the Origins and Purpose of Religion: Jesus, Constantine, and the Containment of Global Revolution.” ''Athens Journal of Social Sciences'' 9, no. 1 (2020): 69–88. doi:10.30958/ajss.9-1-4.</ref> dethorned it, and used it to help control the population and build a post-roman empire.		Religion may or may not have, at one time or another, been an authentic effort to meet essential needs. these days, the various religions that exist are colonized institutions. Colonization occurred at various time. Zoroastrianism, for example, was colonized by emperor Aradashir.<ref>Mike Sosteric, “From Zoroaster to Star Wars, Jesus to Marx: The Art, Science, and Technology of Mass Human Manipulation,” ''Athens Journal of Philosophy'', 2024, doi:10.30958/ajphil.3-4-1.</ref> He took control of the grass-roots, anti-elite spirituality of the mystic [[Zoroaster]] and turned it into a thing that supported his imperial ambitions.<ref>Mary Boyce, ''Zoroastrians: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices'' (Routledge, 2001).</ref> Centuries later Emperor Constantine did exactly the same thing, colonized the grass roots spirituality of [[Jesus Christ]],<ref>Sosteric, Mike. Rethinking the Origins and Purpose of Religion: Jesus, Constantine, and the Containment of Global Revolution.” ''Athens Journal of Social Sciences'' 9, no. 1 (2020): 69–88. doi:10.30958/ajss.9-1-4.</ref> dethorned it, and used it to help control the population and build a post-roman empire.

	=== What it it does ===		=== What it currently does ===
	In the hands of the [[AC]], religion functions as		In the hands of the [[Accumulating Class]], religion functions as

	* an opiate,<ref>[[Karl Marx]]</ref>		* an opiate,<ref>[[Karl Marx]]</ref>
	* a wish-fulfilling, behaviour controlling "illusion,"<ref>That's [[Sigmund Freud]]</ref>		* a wish-fulfilling, behaviour controlling "illusion,"<ref>That's [[Sigmund Freud]]</ref>
	* an ideological tool designed to help create a [[Moral Order\|moral]], [[Intellectual Order\|intellectual]], and [[Social Order\|societal order]]<ref>[[August Comte]] talked about these various orders as part of a [[Comprehensive Framework]] used to shape society and control behaviour. See Comte, August, ''The Catechism of Positivism; or, Summary Exposition of the Universal Religion,'' trans. Richard Congreve (London: John Chapman, 1852). <nowiki>https://archive.org/details/artofcreationess00carp</nowiki></ref> conducive to the operation of any particular [[Regime of Accumulation]]. In this case, religion functions as an [[Ideological Institution]] (and sometimes [[Symbol Factory]] designed to help propagate a specific [[Existential Narrative]].		* [[Mechanisms of Reproduction\|Mechanism of Reproduction]] an ideological tool designed to help create a [[Moral Order\|moral]], [[Intellectual Order\|intellectual]], and [[Social Order\|societal order]]<ref>[[August Comte]] talked about these various orders as part of a [[Comprehensive Framework]] used to shape society and control behaviour. See Comte, August, ''The Catechism of Positivism; or, Summary Exposition of the Universal Religion,'' trans. Richard Congreve (London: John Chapman, 1852). <nowiki>https://archive.org/details/artofcreationess00carp</nowiki></ref> conducive to the operation of any particular [[Regime of Accumulation]]. In this case, religion functions as an [[Ideological Institution]] (and sometimes [[Symbol Factory]] designed to help propagate a specific [[Existential Narrative]].

	If this sounds bad, it is. But it's not all bad. As [[Emile Durkheim]] said, religion also helps maintain and stabilize the social order (except when it doesn't). It also provides for the satisfaction of certain [[Seven Essential Needs\|essential needs]], like the powerful need to feel you belong,<ref>There is an evolutionary argument to be made here. Think about it. Hominids that wandered off freely into the bush wouldn't have lasted long thus selecting naturally (or naturally selecting) individuals with a propensity, even a drive, to congregate in groups.</ref> and it provides shared meaning (shared truth and understanding). it can also help, when it's not too toxic, us with our existential need to express and receive love. It also .

	Does humanity need religion to understand the cosmos? No. But a well organized, grounded, decolonized [[Knowledge System]] maintained by expert [[Human Steward\|Human Stewards]] with the symbiotic assistance of evolving [[Consciousness-Potential System\|CPS]] systems can help.		Does humanity need religion to understand the cosmos? No. But a well organized, grounded, decolonized [[Knowledge System]] maintained by expert [[Human Steward\|Human Stewards]] with the symbiotic assistance of evolving [[Consciousness-Potential System\|CPS]] systems can help.

Michael at 12:21, 31 August 2026

2026-08-31T12:21:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:21, 31 August 2026
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	{{navmenu}}		{{navmenu}}
	<h1 class="customtitle">{{FULLPAGENAME}}</h1>		<h1 class="customtitle">{{FULLPAGENAME}}</h1>
	<blockquote class="definition">'''Religion''' is ~~a complicated and flexible human~~ institution ~~typically setup by members~~ of the [[~~Accumulating Class]] (think Roman Emperor Constantine), ostensibly to meet [[~~Essential Needs]] and ~~[[Non-essential Needs]]~~, ~~but more likely to be part of the [[Regime of Accumulation]]'s [[Mechanisms of Compliance]]~~. </blockquote>		<blockquote class="definition">'''Religion''' is an institution designed to meet certain of the [[Seven Essential Needs]], like cognitive needs for truth, inner needs for alignment and connection, and so on. </blockquote>

	==Concept Map==		==Concept Map==
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	=== What it is ===		=== What it is ===
	[[~~Religion~~]] is an [[~~Institution~~]] ~~created by the~~ [[~~Accumulating Class~~]] (AC) to ~~colonize humanity~~'~~s understanding~~ of the ~~cosmos~~. ~~There~~ are ~~historical examples of this~~. ~~In ancient Persia~~, for example, ~~a top-high-mucky-muck~~, ~~king~~-~~god, grand~~-~~guy by the name~~ of ~~Ardashir took~~ the grass-roots, anti-elite spirituality of ~~guy by~~ the ~~name of~~ [[Zoroaster]] and ~~colonized and contained~~ it ~~in an [[institution]], and then used it to help build~~ his ~~empire~~.<ref>Boyce, ~~Mary.~~ ''Zoroastrians: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices''. Routledge, 2001</ref> Centuries later ~~some grand high poohbah by the name of~~ Constantine did exactly the same thing, colonized the grass roots spirituality of [[Jesus Christ]],<ref>Sosteric, Mike. Rethinking the Origins and Purpose of Religion: Jesus, Constantine, and the Containment of Global Revolution.” ''Athens Journal of Social Sciences'' 9, no. 1 (2020): 69–88. doi:10.30958/ajss.9-1-4.</ref> ~~contained~~ it ~~in a religion that we are all familiar with~~, and used it to help build a post-roman empire.		Like all institutions, religion is designed meet several of humanity's [[Seven Essential Needs]]. Specifically, it is designed to meet essential needs for

			* cognitive needs for truth and understanding, particularly of oneself and one's relationship to the cosmos,
			* emotional needs for belongingness, inclusion, love,
			* [[alignment]], and [[connection]].

			It does this within a 'frame of orientation," a shared system of thought that provides answers to to life's [[Big Questions]] (need for truth).

			Whether or not a particular religion, or religion in general, is successful at meeting these essential needs in an authentic and open fashion. Note that truth is not equal to fantasy and any religion that offers a fantasy orientation based only in faith ''fails'' out of the gate.

			=== Colonization ===
			Religion may or may not have, at one time or another, been an authentic effort to meet essential needs. these days, the various religions that exist are colonized institutions. Colonization occurred at various time. Zoroastrianism, for example, was colonized by emperor Aradashir.<ref>Mike Sosteric, “From Zoroaster to Star Wars, Jesus to Marx: The Art, Science, and Technology of Mass Human Manipulation,” ''Athens Journal of Philosophy'', 2024, doi:10.30958/ajphil.3-4-1.</ref> He took control of the grass-roots, anti-elite spirituality of the mystic [[Zoroaster]] and turned it into a thing that supported his imperial ambitions.<ref>Mary Boyce, ''Zoroastrians: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices'' (Routledge, 2001).</ref> Centuries later Emperor Constantine did exactly the same thing, colonized the grass roots spirituality of [[Jesus Christ]],<ref>Sosteric, Mike. Rethinking the Origins and Purpose of Religion: Jesus, Constantine, and the Containment of Global Revolution.” ''Athens Journal of Social Sciences'' 9, no. 1 (2020): 69–88. doi:10.30958/ajss.9-1-4.</ref> dethorned it, and used it to help control the population and build a post-roman empire.

	=== What it it does ===		=== What it it does ===
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	"Religion tends to be conceptualized as an external, community-based phenomena in which a particular organized set of beliefs, behaviors, and rituals are institutionalized by individuals sharing similar spiritualities."<ref>Hodge, David R. “The Intrinsic Spirituality Scale: A New Six-Item Instrument for Assessing the Salience of Spirituality as a Motivational Construct.” ''Journal of Social Service Research'' 30, no. 1 (January 1, 2003): 41–61. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1300/J079v30n01_03</nowiki>. 42</ref>		"Religion tends to be conceptualized as an external, community-based phenomena in which a particular organized set of beliefs, behaviors, and rituals are institutionalized by individuals sharing similar spiritualities."<ref>Hodge, David R. “The Intrinsic Spirituality Scale: A New Six-Item Instrument for Assessing the Salience of Spirituality as a Motivational Construct.” ''Journal of Social Service Research'' 30, no. 1 (January 1, 2003): 41–61. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1300/J079v30n01_03</nowiki>. 42</ref>

			'''Erich Fromm:''' Religion is an "group-shared system of thought and action that offers the individual a frame of orientation and an object of devotion."<ref>Erich Fromm, ''To Have or to Be?'' (New York: Harper & Row, 1976), 135.</ref>

	==Quotes==		==Quotes==

Michael at 17:11, 10 January 2026

2026-01-10T17:11:40Z

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	<blockquote class="definition">'''Religion''' is a complicated and flexible human institution typically setup by members of the [[Accumulating Class]] (think Roman Emperor Constantine), ostensibly to meet [[Essential Needs]] and [[Non-essential Needs]], but more likely to be part of the [[Regime of Accumulation]]'s [[Mechanisms of Compliance]]. </blockquote>		<blockquote class="definition">'''Religion''' is a complicated and flexible human institution typically setup by members of the [[Accumulating Class]] (think Roman Emperor Constantine), ostensibly to meet [[Essential Needs]] and [[Non-essential Needs]], but more likely to be part of the [[Regime of Accumulation]]'s [[Mechanisms of Compliance]]. </blockquote>

	==~~Subclasses~~==		==Concept Map==

			===Key Concepts===

			[[Avatar.GLOBAL Knowledge System]] > {{#ask:[[Is a key term::Avatar.GLOBAL Knowledge System]]\|format=ul\|sort=Has sort AG}}

			[[Spiritual Theory]] > {{#ask:[[Is a keyword::Spiritual Theory]]}}

	[[Religion]] > {{#ask:[[Is a subclass of::Religion]]}}		[[Religion]] > {{#ask:[[Is a subclass of::Religion]]}}
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	[[category:terms]]		[[category:terms]]
			[[Is a keyword::Spiritual Theory\| ]]
			[[Is a related term::Boundary Problem\| ]]
	[[Is a related term::Spirituality\| ]]		[[Is a related term::Spirituality\| ]]
	[[Is a related term::Exoteric Religion\| ]]		[[Is a related term::Exoteric Religion\| ]]
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	[[Is a related term::Elite Religion\| ]]		[[Is a related term::Elite Religion\| ]]
	[[Is an::Ideological Institution\| ]]		[[Is an::Ideological Institution\| ]]
	~~[[Is a related term::Boundary Problem\| ]]~~
	[[Is a related term::Boundary Fetish\| ]]		[[Is a related term::Boundary Fetish\| ]]

Michael at 16:17, 10 January 2026

2026-01-10T16:17:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:17, 10 January 2026
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	== Notes ==		== Notes ==

	~~A typical religious institution consists~~ of ~~social~~, ~~ritual/practical~~, ~~experiential~~, ~~narrative/mythic~~, ~~doctrinal~~, ~~ethical/legal~~, ~~material~~, and ~~healing dimensions all geared toward~~ the ~~satisfaction~~ of ~~various human needs.~~<ref>Mike ~~Sosteric~~, ~~“What Is Religion” 2022~~, ~~https~~:/~~/www~~.~~academia~~.~~edu/80934448/What_is_Religion~~</ref>		=== What it is ===
			[[Religion]] is an [[Institution]] created by the [[Accumulating Class]] (AC) to colonize humanity's understanding of the cosmos. There are historical examples of this. In ancient Persia, for example, a top-high-mucky-muck, king-god, grand-guy by the name of Ardashir took the grass-roots, anti-elite spirituality of guy by the name of [[Zoroaster]] and colonized and contained it in an [[institution]], and then used it to help build his empire.<ref>Boyce, Mary. ''Zoroastrians: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices''. Routledge, 2001</ref> Centuries later some grand high poohbah by the name of Constantine did exactly the same thing, colonized the grass roots spirituality of [[Jesus Christ]],<ref>Sosteric, Mike. Rethinking the Origins and Purpose of Religion: Jesus, Constantine, and the Containment of Global Revolution.” ''Athens Journal of Social Sciences'' 9, no. 1 (2020): 69–88. doi:10.30958/ajss.9-1-4.</ref> contained it in a religion that we are all familiar with, and used it to help build a post-roman empire.

	~~Religion is often co-opted and controlled by members~~ of the [[~~Accumulating Class~~]]~~. In this case~~, religion functions~~, in addition to an institution which meets various human needs,~~ as ~~an [[Ideological Institution]] (and sometimes [[Symbol Factory]] designed to help propagate a specific [[Existential Narrative]].~~		=== What it it does ===
			In the hands of the [[AC]], religion functions as

	~~Religion may be broken down into two sub~~-~~classes~~, [[~~Elite Religion~~]] and [[~~Authentic Religion~~]]~~. Elite religion prioritizes the needs of the~~ [[~~Accumulating Class~~]] ~~while~~ [[~~Authentic Religion~~]] ~~prioritizes~~ [[~~Healing~~]], [[~~Connection~~]], and ~~the~~ [[~~Seven Essential Needs~~]] ~~of humanity~~.		* an opiate,<ref>[[Karl Marx]]</ref>
			* a wish-fulfilling, behaviour controlling "illusion,"<ref>That's [[Sigmund Freud]]</ref>
			* an ideological tool designed to help create a [[Moral Order\|moral]], [[Intellectual Order\|intellectual]], and [[Social Order\|societal order]]<ref>[[August Comte]] talked about these various orders as part of a [[Comprehensive Framework]] used to shape society and control behaviour. See Comte, August, ''The Catechism of Positivism; or, Summary Exposition of the Universal Religion,'' trans. Richard Congreve (London: John Chapman, 1852). <nowiki>https://archive.org/details/artofcreationess00carp</nowiki></ref> conducive to the operation of any particular [[Regime of Accumulation]]. In this case, religion functions as an [[Ideological Institution]] (and sometimes [[Symbol Factory]] designed to help propagate a specific [[Existential Narrative]].

	~~Religion~~ is ~~a notoriously difficult concept to pin down~~ and~~, frankly, scholars have said some really stupid shit about~~ it ~~over~~ the ~~years,~~ [[~~Sigmund Freud~~]] ~~being a classic example~~. ~~Freud believed~~ that ~~religion arises as~~ a ~~consequence of~~		If this sounds bad, it is. But it's not all bad. As [[Emile Durkheim]] said, religion also helps maintain and stabilize the social order (except when it doesn't). It also provides for the satisfaction of certain [[Seven Essential Needs\|essential needs]], like the powerful need to feel you belong,<ref>There is an evolutionary argument to be made here. Think about it. Hominids that wandered off freely into the bush wouldn't have lasted long thus selecting naturally (or naturally selecting) individuals with a propensity, even a drive, to congregate in groups.</ref> and it provides shared meaning (shared truth and understanding). it can also help, when it's not too toxic, us with our existential need to express and receive love. It also .

			Does humanity need religion to understand the cosmos? No. But a well organized, grounded, decolonized [[Knowledge System]] maintained by expert [[Human Steward\|Human Stewards]] with the symbiotic assistance of evolving [[Consciousness-Potential System\|CPS]] systems can help.

			=== Classes ===
			Religion may be broken down into two sub-classes, [[Elite Religion]] and [[Authentic Religion]].

			==== '''Elite Religion''' ====
			Elite Religion serves the agenda of the [[AC]], helping to create the social order required for operation of their [[Regime of Accumulation\|regime]].

			Elite religion may be broken down into [[Esoteric Religion\|Esoteric]] and [[Exoteric Religion\|Exoteric]] categories.

			* [[Esoteric Religion]] is is aimed to teach members of the accumulating class the narratives they need to operate the social order.
			* '''[[Exoteric Religion]]''' is aimed at the masses and use to teach them narratives designed so that they can serve that control and shape their behaviour. taught to the masses.

			==== Authentic Religion ====
			[[Authentic Religion]] services the agenda of humanity by helping to meet, in a grounded, ethical, inclusive, humanistic way,, the [[Seven Essential Needs]] of humanity, including but not limited to humanity's need for [[Connection]].

			To be clear, authentic Religion is an [[Institution]] devoted to the satisfaction of [[Seven Essential Needs\|essential needs]].

			=== Additional Comments ===
			[[Sigmund Freud]] believed that religion arises as a consequence of
	# an expression of the son-father relationship (see totem and taboo, related to religions where "totem animals" become sacred)<ref>Freud, Sigmund. ''The Future of an Illusion''. New York: Anchor Books, 1961. p. 21</ref>		# an expression of the son-father relationship (see totem and taboo, related to religions where "totem animals" become sacred)<ref>Freud, Sigmund. ''The Future of an Illusion''. New York: Anchor Books, 1961. p. 21</ref>
	# the need to defend oneself against the "crushingly superior force of nature."<ref>Freud, Sigmund. ''The Future of an Illusion''. New York: Anchor Books, 1961. p. 21</ref>		# the need to defend oneself against the "crushingly superior force of nature."<ref>Freud, Sigmund. ''The Future of an Illusion''. New York: Anchor Books, 1961. p. 21</ref>
	# The "urge to rectify the shortcoming of civilization..."<ref>Freud, Sigmund. ''The Future of an Illusion''. New York: Anchor Books, 1961. p. 21</ref>		# The "urge to rectify the shortcoming of civilization..."<ref>Freud, Sigmund. ''The Future of an Illusion''. New York: Anchor Books, 1961. p. 21</ref>
			This is no partly true in the sense that most humans have a need

	=== Other Definitions ===		=== Other Definitions ===

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	[[Spiritual Theory]] > {{#ask:[[Is a keyword::Spiritual Theory]]~~\|format=ul~~}}		[[Spiritual Theory]] > {{#ask:[[Is a keyword::Spiritual Theory]]}}

	[[Religion]] > {{#ask:[[Is a keyword::Religion]]~~\|format=ul~~}}		[[Religion]] > {{#ask:[[Is a keyword::Religion]]}}

	~~===Types===~~

			=== Types ===
	[[Religion]] > {{#ask:[[Is a subclass of::Religion]]\|format=ul}}		[[Religion]] > {{#ask:[[Is a subclass of::Religion]]\|format=ul}}

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