In this testimony, I will refer to my book, “Purity and Danger: An Analysis of Concepts of Pollution and Taboo.” In this book, I explore the cultural notion of dirt as well as the symbolic meanings behind such. I define dirt as that which is out of its place, and further link this distinction to the distinction between the sacred and the profane. Moreover, “Purity and Danger” is an investigation into different notions of dirt in various cultures, demonstrating the contingent and socially determined nature of what is clean and what is not. In this testimony, I argue that religion a series of cosmic laws and ritual patterns practiced to ensure good fortune and maintain a harmonious universe. I further suggest that identifying and assessing such
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For example, West African understanding is that recognizing one's destiny can, in turn, reject it (Douglas 106). The Homeric Greeks, on the other hand, did not share this perception. Though the understanding of destiny differs, individuals are still prone to act according to what they believe is beneficial to their destiny and blame destiny for their loses and misfortune (Douglas 106). In my book, I give an example of a culture in which all individuals are personally linked with the cosmos to show how one aspect of life can link to another. The Chinese culture is dominated by the idea of harmony in the universe (Douglas 105). “If an individual can ensure the most harmonious relationship, he or she can hope for good fortune” (Douglas 105). Misfortune, on the other hand, can point to lack of a happy alignment (Douglas 105). The influence of Feng Shwe is believed to bring good fortune if one’s house and one’s ancestors’ graves are well placed (Douglas 105). When faced with misfortune, one could either rearrange their home or their ancestral graves to better their fortune (Douglas 105). Naturally, if one is able to change their fortune for the better, doing something immoral or sinful may change one’s fortune for the …show more content…
And whoever does a speck of evil will see it” (Qur’an 100:7-8)
These examples make it clear that the cosmos are a fundamental base for most, if not all, religions. For this reason, I find my definition of religion to most suitable for use in the court of law.
In the undifferentiated world discussed in this testimony, things happen to people on account of personal links with the cosmos. Moreover, ideas and people are not entirely distinguishable because of their shared dependence on destiny and cosmos. Additionally, It is important to understand that cause and effect are central elements in religious life. Regardless of how different one religion (or culture) is from another, the manner in which people think is not very different.
The definition that I presented today aims to recognize the ritual behavior and beliefs that contribute to a harmonious universe through moral actions. The examples illustrated above show the influence that systems of cause and effect have on religious groups. Religious practices and rituals, within certain ethical limits, are a necessary means of achieving good fortune. Any actions deemed immoral (i.e., incest, murder, mass destruction) are to be separated from
For example, West African understanding is that recognizing one's destiny can, in turn, reject it (Douglas 106). The Homeric Greeks, on the other hand, did not share this perception. Though the understanding of destiny differs, individuals are still prone to act according to what they believe is beneficial to their destiny and blame destiny for their loses and misfortune (Douglas 106). In my book, I give an example of a culture in which all individuals are personally linked with the cosmos to show how one aspect of life can link to another. The Chinese culture is dominated by the idea of harmony in the universe (Douglas 105). “If an individual can ensure the most harmonious relationship, he or she can hope for good fortune” (Douglas 105). Misfortune, on the other hand, can point to lack of a happy alignment (Douglas 105). The influence of Feng Shwe is believed to bring good fortune if one’s house and one’s ancestors’ graves are well placed (Douglas 105). When faced with misfortune, one could either rearrange their home or their ancestral graves to better their fortune (Douglas 105). Naturally, if one is able to change their fortune for the better, doing something immoral or sinful may change one’s fortune for the …show more content…
And whoever does a speck of evil will see it” (Qur’an 100:7-8)
These examples make it clear that the cosmos are a fundamental base for most, if not all, religions. For this reason, I find my definition of religion to most suitable for use in the court of law.
In the undifferentiated world discussed in this testimony, things happen to people on account of personal links with the cosmos. Moreover, ideas and people are not entirely distinguishable because of their shared dependence on destiny and cosmos. Additionally, It is important to understand that cause and effect are central elements in religious life. Regardless of how different one religion (or culture) is from another, the manner in which people think is not very different.
The definition that I presented today aims to recognize the ritual behavior and beliefs that contribute to a harmonious universe through moral actions. The examples illustrated above show the influence that systems of cause and effect have on religious groups. Religious practices and rituals, within certain ethical limits, are a necessary means of achieving good fortune. Any actions deemed immoral (i.e., incest, murder, mass destruction) are to be separated from