Is God a Religion or a Connection Through Love?
In a world where the concept of God is often intertwined with organized religion, one might wonder, why does God have to be religious? This article will explore this intriguing question and delve into the idea that God could simply be a connection between humanity and the divine, brought about through love.
Religion vs. Deity: Who Needs the Other?
A just and omnipotent deity, by definition, does not require the framework of religion. Religion, as we know it, is a system designed by humans to provide a structured way of understanding and approaching the divine. The concept of God as a religious entity serves more as a mediator for the finite and imperfect beings like us. For an all-knowing and all-powerful deity, such a hierarchical system seems unnecessary. It is the underlings who need the overseers, not the supreme creator of all things.
While it is true that many deities are seen as distant and unapproachable, the idea of a God who is one of us, akin to a slob or a stranger on the bus, can be reconsidered. In such a case, the relationship between humans and the divine could be more direct and personal. Yet, if such a transformation of divine nature would take place, many of the traditional roles and structures of religion might become obsolete.
God's Perspective on Religion
From a divine perspective, religion might be seen as a tool or connection that humans, out of love and need, create for themselves. This perspective suggests that God 'allows' religion to exist, acknowledging that it serves a purpose for humanity, albeit one that is ultimately not essential for the divine. It is the love and the need of humans for a meaningful connection that drives the creation and evolution of religious practices.
Historical Context: Early Religious Beginnings
Before the formation of formal religions, humanity had its own ways of connecting with the divine. Temples, clergy, and sacrifices were part of early human cultures, but these practices lacked the structured framework of organized religion. The story of Aaron, for instance, highlights the need for intermediaries in communication with the divine. Aaron, initially reluctant to speak for Moses, eventually became a key figure in conveying God's messages. Yet, the ups and downs of Aaron’s relationship with God and Moses reveal a deeper truth: the need for intermediaries is not an intrinsic part of divine interaction but rather a human construct.
Similarly, the development of priesthood and temples was a response to the need for a structured and organized way to approach the divine. The concept of needing a priest to mediate between the people and the gods was a natural evolution in human religious thought. This transition from direct divine-human interactions to the establishment of religious institutions underscores the human tendency to formalize and define spiritual connections.
A Divine Priesthood: A Beacon of Hope
The establishment of a priestly class was not only a response to human imperfection but also a hint towards a higher form of divine interaction. The priesthood, as seen in the Bible, was closely tied to the Law and was subject to divine approval. The story of Eli, a high priest who allowed his sons to live a corrupt life, serves as a cautionary tale. The high priest was punished for his duplicity, highlighting the importance of divine approval in the formation of a meaningful religious hierarchy.
Despite the necessity of having a priest, the divine perspective was one of tolerance rather than mandatory obedience. The temporary nature of the Law and the specific religious practices of the Jews were seen as temporary solutions to a more permanent problem. The concept of a Messiah or Christ was a fulfillment of the divine promise of a permanent solution to human sins and imperfections.
The Book of Hebrews (4:14-15) provides insight into the divine perspective on human limitations and the need for a permanent high priest. It suggests that a high priest who has sympathized with human weaknesses is more relevant and empathetic. Jesus, as the ultimate high priest, symbolizes the divine solution to the human condition, offering permanent relief from the burden of sin without the need for ongoing religious rituals.
In conclusion, God, as a divine entity, does not fundamentally need religion. Religion, however, can be seen as a means by which humans connect with the divine, out of love and need. This connection is manifested through various human practices and rituals, but the essence lies in the love and the need to find a meaningful relationship with the divine.