05-29-2006, 06:35 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-dhu+May 29 2006, 01:33 AM-->QUOTE(dhu @ May 29 2006, 01:33 AM)<!--QuoteEBegin--><!--QuoteBegin-s.k.mody+May 28 2006, 05:16 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(s.k.mody @ May 28 2006, 05:16 PM)<!--QuoteEBegin--><!--QuoteBegin-dhu+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dhu)<!--QuoteEBegin--> ... It is an attempt to expand the 'learning configuration' (per Balu ) of the conspiracy theory. ...
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Could you expand on meaning of this?
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There are certain questions which confront the Hindu/Pagan as absurd, nonsensical, or otherwise as false issues, etc. For example, the abrahamic obsession with the number of gods is for most Hindus an absurd question, besides the point, if indeed there is a substantive point to be made by "worshipping" one or two or whatever number of gods. When these abrahamic questions or issues begin to make sense to the Hindu, the process of conversion has begun. Da vinci Code poses a number of questions like the difference between the philosopher Christ and the Divine Christ which only make sense in the abrahamic framework and, as such, can be seen to expanding the abrahamic framework. Can we ever imagine a hindu asking about difference between the Philosopher Rama and the Divine Rama. Is Ramayana the expression of Rama's Philosophy as the Bible is the expression of the Abrahamic Lord's plan for Mankind???? (These issues are brought about in Balagangadhara's work.. thread has been deleted from IF....)...
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Very interesting. But from my reading of the book it did not really seem that the author was trying to stir up a theological <i>debate</i>. For the author that Jesus as historical fact is pretty much a given. The impression I got is that the author is saying: "Look, it is obvious that Jesus was a historical figure and a human being like the rest of us -except perhaps with special insights - to think otherwise is just immature. Christian traditions owe a lot to the pagan religions that existed before it and it is futile and ridiculous for anyone to try and supress those. While christians don't need to stop worshipping Jesus they do need to <i>grow up</i> and accept a sane version of history. Moreover the symbols and traditions of these earlier religions are all around you - you don't need to go about hunting for them. Western civilization has a history that is richer than the Church and the Greek/Roman civilizations so delve into it."
However the author takes great care not to really offend the believing christians by putting words into Robert Langdon's mouth - see the end of chapter 82 where provides an apologia. His cheapest shot was that "Every faith in the world is based on fabrication - that is the definition of faith" etc .. Later on: "The Bible remains the fundamental guidepost for millions of people on the planet ..."
More egregiously "Should we wave flags and tell Buddhists that Buddha did not emerge from a lotus blossom." - Clearly intended to fool a prospective audience that is totally clueless about Buddha, Buddhism or Buddhists.
Looks to me that the only possible loser in this is the Catholic church.
Regards,
Sandeep.
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Could you expand on meaning of this?
[right][snapback]51782[/snapback][/right]
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There are certain questions which confront the Hindu/Pagan as absurd, nonsensical, or otherwise as false issues, etc. For example, the abrahamic obsession with the number of gods is for most Hindus an absurd question, besides the point, if indeed there is a substantive point to be made by "worshipping" one or two or whatever number of gods. When these abrahamic questions or issues begin to make sense to the Hindu, the process of conversion has begun. Da vinci Code poses a number of questions like the difference between the philosopher Christ and the Divine Christ which only make sense in the abrahamic framework and, as such, can be seen to expanding the abrahamic framework. Can we ever imagine a hindu asking about difference between the Philosopher Rama and the Divine Rama. Is Ramayana the expression of Rama's Philosophy as the Bible is the expression of the Abrahamic Lord's plan for Mankind???? (These issues are brought about in Balagangadhara's work.. thread has been deleted from IF....)...
[right][snapback]51787[/snapback][/right]
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->a
Very interesting. But from my reading of the book it did not really seem that the author was trying to stir up a theological <i>debate</i>. For the author that Jesus as historical fact is pretty much a given. The impression I got is that the author is saying: "Look, it is obvious that Jesus was a historical figure and a human being like the rest of us -except perhaps with special insights - to think otherwise is just immature. Christian traditions owe a lot to the pagan religions that existed before it and it is futile and ridiculous for anyone to try and supress those. While christians don't need to stop worshipping Jesus they do need to <i>grow up</i> and accept a sane version of history. Moreover the symbols and traditions of these earlier religions are all around you - you don't need to go about hunting for them. Western civilization has a history that is richer than the Church and the Greek/Roman civilizations so delve into it."
However the author takes great care not to really offend the believing christians by putting words into Robert Langdon's mouth - see the end of chapter 82 where provides an apologia. His cheapest shot was that "Every faith in the world is based on fabrication - that is the definition of faith" etc .. Later on: "The Bible remains the fundamental guidepost for millions of people on the planet ..."
More egregiously "Should we wave flags and tell Buddhists that Buddha did not emerge from a lotus blossom." - Clearly intended to fool a prospective audience that is totally clueless about Buddha, Buddhism or Buddhists.
Looks to me that the only possible loser in this is the Catholic church.
Regards,
Sandeep.