Exploring the Role of Religion: Coping Mechanism or Entitlement?
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Chapter 1: Introduction
In a recent listening session of Episode #424 of the Lex Fridman podcast, I encountered a thought that inspired this article. Lex’s calm demeanor cuts through the noise of today's media landscape, where quick dopamine fixes are the norm. His podcast stands out for its in-depth discussions with a variety of distinguished guests. One episode that particularly captivated me featured Bassem Youssef, a comedian and former surgeon. Following his viral interview with Pierce Morgan, Youssef has emerged as a vital voice in the conversation surrounding Israel-Palestine. The idea of engaging with two brilliant minds—one Jewish and the other Muslim—over nearly three hours was truly thrilling.
While I strongly encourage you to listen to the entire episode, my focus here will be on a specific insight from Youssef regarding religion, which resonated profoundly with me.
Disclaimer
I grew up in a household with one Christian parent and one who identified as an atheist. While faith wasn't a central theme, it was often a subject of discussion. I genuinely believe in the importance of religion, but my university experiences and exposure to diverse beliefs have led me to question my own faith. Consequently, I now identify as a "non-believing Christian." I kindly ask believers to approach this article with an open heart, as my intention is to spark a thoughtful dialogue about monotheistic faiths. In our globally connected society, discussing both our differences and similarities is essential, as religion has historically played a pivotal role in such conversations.
Chapter 2: The Birth of Religion
When Lex Fridman posed a question to Youssef about the merits and drawbacks of religion, he made a compelling assertion:
"If there was no religion, humans would have invented religion." ~ Bassem Youssef
This statement made me pause and reflect. I was surprised by the secular nature of his argument. Let's break down what he meant: Youssef doesn't claim that religions are mere human constructs; instead, he suggests that if religion didn't exist, we would have created it ourselves. This notion appeals to both believers and skeptics alike.
The Role of Religion
Youssef further elaborates on how religion serves as a coping mechanism that helps us find meaning in our lives, especially when faced with mortality and suffering:
"There has to be a reason. There has to be a reason, there has to be a purpose." ~ Bassem Youssef
This perspective resonates with many of us, as we often seek a deeper, divine significance to life, viewing God as our ultimate guide. In turn, believers often express humility before this higher power in exchange for their sense of purpose.
A Tapestry of Human Narratives
Youssef posits that religious texts are essentially collections of human narratives attributed to God. Thus, religion encapsulates much of the human experience. Monotheistic religions share a common thread in their scriptures, which are reliant on prophets—humans who have gathered stories about the divine.
The Duality of Religion
While the humility associated with religion, the acknowledgment of a higher power, and the practice of compassion are beneficial, Youssef highlights a paradoxical aspect:
"I'm humble and I'm surrendering, but at the same time, I am better than you and I'm more entitled." ~ Bassem Youssef
This duality of religious humility can lead to feelings of entitlement, causing some adherents to perceive themselves as superior to non-believers or other forms of existence. This lack of empathy can be weaponized to justify harmful actions.
A Call for Reflection
Addressing the complexities of discussing religion is no small task. I find myself hesitant to publish this article, feeling unqualified to tackle such a sensitive topic. However, I encourage both believers and non-believers to share their perspectives. A definitive solution may not exist, as entitlement seems to be an inherent trait of monotheistic faiths, which often aim to discredit other belief systems.
To Non-Believers
Lastly, I want to speak directly to non-believers. Many of us are culturally influenced by monotheistic religions, whether we realize it or not. This influence can contribute to a sense of entitlement reflected in our interactions with the environment, animals, and cultures perceived as inferior. Yet, embracing life with humility and gratitude may pave a more compassionate path forward.
If you've made it this far, thank you for reading! Writing this article has been a challenging yet rewarding experience. I aimed to create a piece that encourages reflection and dialogue. Please share your thoughts in the comments below. If you found this insightful, consider clapping and following me for more discussions. Don't forget to check out my other articles as well!