When Faith Promoted Prestige

Post date: Mar 18, 2011 2:17:10 PM

Some musings on a point my professor made about the oral teachings in Buddhism during the 1st century CE. He speculated that during that time-frame in history, any mention of a conversation with a god or with the Buddha after his death gave a story more credit; elevated its prestige. That having faith in such an event actually taking place was common and not challenged as it might be today. I find this quite interesting and without having studied much Buddhist or religious history, I’d agree. In current times, any mention of a “miracle” or a “healing” or even a dream in which a conversation was had with someone deceased brings about doubt. Brings about criticism of truth. Why? I suppose in today’s time we are a more science-anchored people, and demand proof instead of taking things on faith. I think this is good and bad. I think we need more faith, but perhaps should apply that faith with a dose of common sense. But, maybe not. Who are we to decide if a friend did or did not communicate with God, or his deceased friend, or even saw a ghost? How can we? We’re not that person. We don’t know what they can and cannot perceive. Interesting and demanding of more thought and study.

-PHIL