Where is Self-Discovery? Probably Not in an Introductory Text

[shanmonster]

Where is self-discovery to be found? Not surprisingly enough, it doesn't appear to be in the introductory religious studies texts. Quite a few odd things were discovered by members of my religious studies class, but a clear path of self-discovery in any religious tradition isn't one of them.

A few of my colleagues did find what might be considered a path to self-discovery. For instance, James Bowles writes of the polytheistic religion of the ancient Egyptians, "self-discovery is not limited to life, and in fact, to be achieved, death must be experienced, and properly prepared for."

Something tells me this path won't do the trick for most folks, nowadays.

Part of the problem the class had in readily identifying a set path of self-discovery in a religious tradition may be due to the simple fact that some students didn't understand the exercise. Several didn't choose introductory religious studies texts from which to glean their information (eg. TJ Silliker used a book on sports and religion). Others show formidable ignorance for the religion they are investigating (eg. Sara Dealy and Tara Campbell write, "Hinduism is the practice of Muslim tradition"). And some just recite the basic tenets of the religion they research, investing their findings with their own religious beliefs (eg. Shameka Fernander and Kofi Ampong write "We were made in the image of God, we are in his likeness").

Another problem is that I don't think there are any introductory religious texts out there with a section on "The Steps to Self-Discovery." I think that's just too specialized a topic to fit into any introductory text. But I think the biggest reason people couldn't find a set path for self-discovery is because religion is not necessarily about self-discovery at all. Although some people may discover themselves through religion, a sizeable majority of people, even religious ones, have not and never will use religion in this way. Is it any wonder then that the topic isn't covered in an introductory text?

Comments

[fusty-cabbages.livejournal.com]

My religion is based heavily on navel-gazing, I'm an Amyiest. :D

[shanmonster.livejournal.com]

Well, that would certainly give you lots of opportunity to discover what's in your belly button!

[swirlingchaos.livejournal.com]

Some would argue that organized religion is more of a hindrance to self discovery than an aid. Too much ceremony and not enough true spirituality seems to make modern religion more of a crutch for the masses than an aid towards dicovering deeper meaning in the world around them, which was supposed to be the entire point of the whole thing.

Well, except mormonism, where the point was to become leader of a cult in a grand socialism experiment and die as the polygamist king of Utah (which suceeded admirably, oddly enough).

some interesting books you might like to look at are "the Tracker" by tom brown jr, and the various sequels ("the quest", "the journey", etc.) which deal more with the spiritual aspects of his experiences. 'The tracker' doesnt really deal with religion much at all, but it is a fun read, and lays the foundation for the other books, which are pretty unbelievable, but with some very interesting takes on the whole spirituality thing. The tracker does deal with the self discovery thing though, and its an interesting point of view that makes a lot of sense.

[shanmonster.livejournal.com]

Personally, I'm not pro-religion, organized or otherwise. I guess that makes me the odd one out in my class.

As far as spirituality goes, I've yet to see a definition which makes sense to me on a personal level.

[fearsclave.livejournal.com]

1) go fishing.
2) repeat step 1), above.

[shanmonster.livejournal.com]

I'd like to, but fishing season is over.