So firstly, I am not a theologian. There are people who literally dedicate their lives to questions like these. I am not one of them. I also am not interested in discussing the merit or lack there of of Buddhism, I merely meant my oversimplification of its tenets to serve as an illustration of my point.
As to the Abrahamic “critiques” you shared, my gut reaction to the slander of the Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) completely misses the mark on the entire purpose of the story. The practice of sacrificing children to gods was unnervingly commonplace across human societies (take a look at any archeological record globally.) The switching of his son (either Isaac or Ismail) and a ram is meant to serve as an alternative to a long standing damaging cultural practice. It was a “hey, kill a ram instead of a kid then eat that ram. It’s better for everyone.” Scenario. In that light Abraham was miles ahead of his times and it was meant to illustrate the mercy of God, not cruelty.
It’s like taking this verse “And when the female infant buried alive is questioned: For what sin was she killed.” And saying holy shit Islam buries baby girls alive! No. Full stop. **This was a horrific and unethical practice. ** Islam said fuck that. Do it and your daughter will testify on your day of judgement for what you killed her. She will give testimony on why to bar you from Paradise. It advocated for ending infanticide. Not for promoting it.
These are just some very simple examples that conveniently prove my point. You can certainly take fine toothed comb through generations of religious literature but there are believers who are doing this as well. Just because some man wrote something doesn’t mean it always makes it into canon and modern practice. A lot of the scriptures are challenged and discussed to exhaustion in religious settings. Much like your nuanced defense of Buddhism is a prime example of your own quick version of it.
I’m not saying there aren’t questionable things in religions. I’m saying it’s easy to throw the baby out with the bath water with pretty much every religion when you start nitpicking. Context matters.
But, this forum is probably not the appropriate place for an entire nuanced discussion on the ins and outs of theology. This topic is way too large and complex for addressing under a post that’s meant to center women and LGBTQ+ liberation movements. I’ve probably already overspent my welcome on said topic. (If you find a forum more appropriate for this sort of discourse feel free to tag me there to continue this topic.)
So firstly, I am not a theologian. There are people who literally dedicate their lives to questions like these. I am not one of them. I also am not interested in discussing the merit or lack there of of Buddhism, I merely meant my oversimplification of its tenets to serve as an illustration of my point.
As to the Abrahamic “critiques” you shared, my gut reaction to the slander of the Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) completely misses the mark on the entire purpose of the story. The practice of sacrificing children to gods was unnervingly commonplace across human societies (take a look at any archeological record globally.) The switching of his son (either Isaac or Ismail) and a ram is meant to serve as an alternative to a long standing damaging cultural practice. It was a “hey, kill a ram instead of a kid then eat that ram. It’s better for everyone.” Scenario. In that light Abraham was miles ahead of his times and it was meant to illustrate the mercy of God, not cruelty.
It’s like taking this verse “And when the female infant buried alive is questioned: For what sin was she killed.” And saying holy shit Islam buries baby girls alive! No. Full stop. **This was a horrific and unethical practice. ** Islam said fuck that. Do it and your daughter will testify on your day of judgement for what you killed her. She will give testimony on why to bar you from Paradise. It advocated for ending infanticide. Not for promoting it.
These are just some very simple examples that conveniently prove my point. You can certainly take fine toothed comb through generations of religious literature but there are believers who are doing this as well. Just because some man wrote something doesn’t mean it always makes it into canon and modern practice. A lot of the scriptures are challenged and discussed to exhaustion in religious settings. Much like your nuanced defense of Buddhism is a prime example of your own quick version of it.
I’m not saying there aren’t questionable things in religions. I’m saying it’s easy to throw the baby out with the bath water with pretty much every religion when you start nitpicking. Context matters.
But, this forum is probably not the appropriate place for an entire nuanced discussion on the ins and outs of theology. This topic is way too large and complex for addressing under a post that’s meant to center women and LGBTQ+ liberation movements. I’ve probably already overspent my welcome on said topic. (If you find a forum more appropriate for this sort of discourse feel free to tag me there to continue this topic.)