Great religious stories are like coded messages. Things like crucifixion to resurrection, and slavery to the Promised Land, mean don’t worry, have faith: the world is cruel and it will take some time... but you will get to the better place.

Mar 14, 2021 · 12:41 AM UTC

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Replying to @marwilliamson
I have faith in myself, everything else will eventually fail you.
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Have faith only in yourself and everything will ultimately fail you.
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Replying to @marwilliamson
I see those as opiates so that the masses of oppressed don't rise up and take what they're owed.
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What you’re leaving out is how many great social justice movements in the US emerged from religious circles: Abolition from early evangelicals in New Hampshire, many suffragette leaders were Quakers, and MLK Jr. was a Baptist preacher.
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Replying to @marwilliamson
Alternative reading: don't complain in this life. Don't kick up a fuss. Don't try to improve your lot or challenge your masters. Stay compliant and you *may* be rewarded.
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Some have promoted that interpretation, but many including myself see it to mean quite the opposite.
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Replying to @marwilliamson
“When circumstances are bleak... It’s very important to have a vision of possibility that lies on the other side of that.”
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Replying to @marwilliamson
Because ultimately the world is an illusion.
Replying to @marwilliamson
Some of the greatest stories were used to sell compliance to oppressed populations for centuries. And to urge the "faithful" to kill the "heretic"
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Replying to @marwilliamson
Except Judaism? I like the idea that there is no better place, except happiness on earth. The idea of accepting God so one may gain entrance to heaven reeks of spiritual duress to me.
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