Exit To Entrance

A Post for NCRcafe: Exit to Entrance
By Marie Schickel Rottschaefer
Vol. 2 No. 8 November 2008

The goal of these posts is to give a brief overview of developments that have relevance for us in the early 21st century, particularly in seeking solutions for pressing people and planet problems.

CONTEMPORARY FAITH METAMORPHOSIS: ONE MORE PARTIAL ANSWER TO:
WHY THE CHANGE – FROM AGE OF MYTH TO AGE OF SCIENCE

Biblical-historical research and philosophical indicators demonstrate that Christianity appears to be in an endgame state. But we need to consider the larger world of facts beyond a specific history and a particular mode of philosophical reasoning. This larger world became manifest beginning with the scientific revolution in the17th century, a world far removed from the age of myth when Christianity originated. Rue (New Search #9 5-2007) consolidates in a unique way this scientific worldview by showing the connection between theoretical evolutionary considerations from the big bang to our uncertain future. Faith searchers can reasonably conclude that our post-axial age faith is based on genuine reality, as we know it, not on the invention of reality, as we believe it.

For example, if we look at the Apostles’ Creed it is easy to discern “the age of myth” language. Compare fact -- “He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried” -- with simple belief and probable fiction -- “He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1994). This otherworldly journey does not describe an excitement-filled weekender. No, this was mighty myth for those who understood cosmic reality as they imagined it. It was their only recourse; the dawn of the scientific revolution was still hidden in the darkest part of the night. Such thinking is understandable then, but inconceivable today!

A recent illustration of this intimate historical relationship of pagan, mythical, polytheistic roots and the establishment of Christianity was reported in The Oregonian May 28, 2008. It was headlined as: “Vatican re-opens pagan tomb.” In sum, the Vatican unveiled the largest and most luxurious of the pagan tombs in the necropolis under St Peter’s Basilica after nearly a year of restoration work. Emperor Constantine, a convert to Christianity, had the pagan burial grounds covered up in the fourth century so the basilica could be built over the site holding St. Peter’s tomb. The pagan tomb tells the tale of life in the Valeri family. Reliefs of major gods and other pagan figures attest to their strong religious belief.

Christianity has coursed through history adding to its repertoire of cultural input through the centuries. But contemporary cultural input, especially science, philosophy and history has in large measure brought it to an endpoint of contradiction or irrelevance; it has run its course. But the functional moral precepts of the past are ready to be updated and made congruent for our continuing evolutionary moral development today.

SEARCH FOR ULTIMATE REALITY
VIA GENUINE REALITY

To search for Ultimate Reality we need to stay with genuine reality. How? Many state of the art philosophers of science acknowledge that science comes first and the philosophical assessment of the science comes second in the order of things -- a basic tool in our post-axial age faith search for Ultimate Reality.

In this twenty-first century of multifaceted global crises, we should turn to the relevant sciences depending on what solution is needed for what problem. Fortunately, scientific development in many disciplines is available. Then we can use an appropriate philosophical reasoning mode for a checks and balances purpose regarding a given branch of learning. For example does the science serve a moral goal (ethics)? Is the situation logical (logic)? Is it justified (epistemology)? Is it beautiful (aesthetics)? The neuroscience of music is an illustration.

Many global indicators are showing us the way. They point to the sciences and other relevant areas that we need to learn, as well as the goals to be accomplished. We reinforce an attitude of trade-off, changeover, and exchange. This is otherwise known as the longstanding idea of sacrifice (giving up something valuable for something more valuable). People of faith in the Judeo-Christian tradition understand sacrifice. From the Paschal lamb of the Passover to the Paschal Lamb of God of Easter Resurrection, these sacrifices take their place in history.

If sacrifice is a necessary part of faith and the human condition (and who would deny it?) then our contemporary sacrifice as people of faith is to work for a restored planet with non-living and living creatures existing in a harmony and homeostasis directed towards an unknown, but faith and hope filled, meaningful future. Experts predict that we face either enlightened evolution or exorbitant extinction. It is our choice. Who could possibly opt for a meaningless future of extinction?

Reading the Sunday paper, it was a joy to see neighborhoods in a large city converting their green lawns to raising produce. By reclaiming the older ideas of backyard gardens and mini-orchards, and the neighborliness of yesteryear, these older systems can expand into 21st century ecological projects essential to our times. We can step-by-step rebuild and connect ecosystems congruent to a given part of the globe. Constructively, relevant and concomitant CO2 sequestration science is progressing also. Conversely, effective rules and successful achievements must be evident in the removal of globally invasive species. The Oregonian 10-10-08 gave an example of ecological advancement as an accomplished fact. There are many models of a post-axial age faith based on genuine reality that are reducing the uncertainty of our future by reversing some longtime cultural trends that have failed people and planet. The business/economic failure severely affecting us as a species could have the positive effect of reordering the priorities for how to live in a sustainable way. We discard invented reality and embrace genuine reality -- a 21st century post-axial age faith in our future and raison d’etre!