“Religion has everything on its side: revelation, prophecies, government protection, the highest dignity and eminence. . . and more than this, the invaluable prerogative of being allowed to imprint its doctrines on the mind at a tender age of childhood, whereby they become almost innate ideas.”
Analysis of Quote by Irvin D. Yalom
In this quote, Irvin D. Yalom discusses the various advantages that religion has in influencing individuals. He points out that religion is supported by elements such as revelation, prophecies, government protection, and social prestige. Additionally, Yalom highlights the powerful impact that exposure to religious teachings at a young age can have, as it allows these beliefs to become deeply ingrained in one's psyche.
This quote illuminates the significant influence that religion can have on individuals, shaping their beliefs and values from a young age and throughout their lives. The mention of government protection and social prestige also underscores the privileged position that religion often holds in society. This analysis highlights the multifaceted ways in which religion can impact individuals and society as a whole.
Modern Relevance
In his statement, Irvin D. Yalom highlights the immense influence and power that religion holds in society, particularly due to its ability to shape beliefs and values from a young age. This concept remains relevant today, as religion continues to play a significant role in shaping individuals' worldviews and influencing societal norms and behaviors.
Analysis of the Power of Religion by Irvin D. Yalom
"Religion has everything on its side: revelation, prophecies, government protection, the highest dignity and eminence. . . and more than this, the invaluable prerogative of being allowed to imprint its doctrines on the mind at a tender age of childhood, whereby they become almost innate ideas." - Irvin D. Yalom
In this quote, Irvin D. Yalom explores the various aspects of religion that contribute to its power and influence on individuals. He highlights the role of revelation, prophecies, government support, and the early indoctrination of children in shaping religious beliefs.
Reflection Questions:
Upon reading this quote by Irvin D. Yalom, it is important to reflect on the power and influence that religion holds in society. Consider the following questions:
- How does the concept of revelation play a role in the authority of religion?
- In what ways does the government protect and support religious institutions and beliefs?
- What are the implications of imprinting religious doctrines on the minds of children at a young age?
- How do innate ideas about religion shape an individual's beliefs and worldviews?
- Reflect on the influence of prophecy in religious practices and rituals.
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“But it is common knowledge that religions don’t want conviction, on the basis of reasons, but faith, on the basis of revelation. And the capacity for faith is at its strongest in childhood: which is why religions apply themselves before all else to getting these tender years into their possession. It is in this way, even more than by threats and stories of miracles, that the doctrines of faith strike roots: for if, in earliest childhood, a man has certain principles and doctrines repeatedly recited to him with abnormal solemnity and with an air of supreme earnestness such as he has never before beheld, and at the same time the possibility of doubt is never so much as touched on, or if it is only in order to describe it as the first step towards eternal perdition, then the impression produced will be so profound that in almost every case the man will be almost incapable of doubting this doctrine as of doubting his own existence, so that hardly one in a thousand will then possess the firmness of mind seriously and honestly to ask himself: is this true?”
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