Gaianism (book)/Introduction/Religion
This is the Why a religion Chapter of the Introduction section of the book Gaianism.
Why a religion
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If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe.
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|Understanding why Gaianism is designed as a religion requires first an understanding of Gaianism's main principle and purpose, being consistency and safeguarding humanity respectively. The notion of Consistency is applicable in a range of contexts, for example intellectual honesty is a form of consistency between held beliefs and factual knowledge, and intellectual rigour being the consistency of standards. Safeguarding humanity is also applicable in a range of context, for example in biological terms it means protecting the human species from undue extinction, and in cultural terms it means protecting what we can come to understand as our humanity. Everything Gaianism represents results from the principle of consistency and the intention to safeguard humanity. These fundamental characteristics define, require and support each other, but are whimsical choices and therefore do not require being explained or justified in on themselves: they just happen to be what defines Gaianism. However, dedicating time and resources to this pursuit does require motivations and reasons, and these are basically rooted on beliefs. Holding beliefs is an inescapable characteristic of being human, and possibly also of any non-human intelligence as well.
It's been proposed that science has to do with facts, and religion with values. Values are ultimately rooted on beliefs, and science, having values defining its methods and its boundaries for experimentation, is also, ultimately, rooted on beliefs. Fulfilling on Gaianism's purpose, and most especially whilst maintaining consistency, requires a number of beliefs that are often not aligned with long-held beliefs rooted in old religions or ancient mysticism, especially those invalidated by current scientific knowledge. Fulfilling on this purpose also requires holding a number of values that define, moderate and limit actions and behaviours.
Notes
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