What Should Humankind Not Have Done: Lessons from Religion and History

The Origin of Religion and Its Misuse

Upon realizing their mortality, humans became desperate to find a loophole to avoid death and the absolute nonexistence that comes with it. As a result, they invented the concept of God, an afterlife, or heaven. These constructs allowed people to deny the inevitability of death and create a sense of hope and afterlife.

In the pursuit of these beliefs, humans found a scapegoat in the form of one another. The differences in how various people expressed their denial of death became a basis for superiority and prejudice. If your fear of death involved a different imagined deity or a different interpretation of the afterlife, you were considered inferior. Thus, the phrase "If you're not like me, you should die!" became a tragic reality for many.

Failing to Understand and Follow Jesus' Teachings

A glaring example of this misuse of religion is the persecution of gay people. Christians, who are meant to follow the teachings of Jesus, have often misinterpreted his message. Jesus explicitly commanded Christians to love their enemies, be kind to those who hate them, and treat others as they would wish to be treated. He never taught to hate gay people or persecute them; in fact, he never mentioned them as being evil or wrong.

Instead of following these teachings, many Christians have chosen to ignore them and treat gay people terribly. This misinterpretation and subsequent persecution not only go against the core teachings of Christ but also result in deep societal divisions and suffering. If Jesus were here today, he would be horrified and ashamed of the way Christians have treated the gay community. The persecution of gay people by the Christian church is an event in history that should never have occurred.

The Agricultural Revolution and the Trap of Civilization

Another significant blunder in human history is the invention of agriculture. For centuries, our ancestors were nomadic, moving from place to place in search of food. However, the agricultural revolution led to a sedentary lifestyle where humans were forced to settle in specific regions, produce, and protect their assets. This transition had far-reaching consequences, including sleep deprivation and the loss of peace.

The search for an easier life brought immense forces of change that transformed the world in ways not envisioned or desired by the early agriculturalists. It created social stratification, urbanization, and the rise of complex societies at the cost of the communal and nomadic lifestyles of the past. The agricultural revolution was a trap that has profoundly impacted human culture, economy, and societal structures.

Lessons from History

The stories of religion, gay persecution, and the agricultural revolution all offer valuable lessons for humanity. They remind us of the importance of questioning our beliefs, the power of love and kindness, and the potential consequences of our actions. As creatures with the capacity for understanding, we must strive to align our actions with our values and teachings to build a better future.

By embracing compassion, understanding, and a commitment to the common good, we can steer away from the pitfalls of the past and create a world that upholds the principles of love and justice. We must remember that every decision we make has a ripple effect, and it is our duty to make choices that lead to a more harmonious and equitable society.