Information about Mars does not stop chasing me!
I got this forward from a friend but instead of going to the website, you can read it here as I have been able to copy paste it here.
SCIENTIST CLAIMS THAT MARS WILL NEED A NEW RELIGION
To live on Mars you need oxygen, food, water. But one scientist is arguing that survival needs one other critical factor, religion. Dr. Konrad Szocik, a cognitive scientist, and professor of philosophy claims that a new religion will be essential for a Mars colony.
With Elon Musk claiming that a Mars colony could be underway by 2030. The drastic changes that humans would need to go through because of the untold psychological, mental and physical struggle of living on an off-world colony would require drastic changes to humans and human society. Some scientists have even suggested that humans may need to use genetic engineering to make us better adapted to the environment. But what about the cultural and societal aspect?
There has been new evidence that the basis for the sustainability of early human civilization was the creation of religion. Religion provided an organizational structure that was cemented through rituals. This enabled humans to be able to work and settle down, moving from hunter-gather societies to agriculture and settlements.
Dr. Szocik has not prescribed a specific religion, but the creation of religion generally. In fact, he has suggested that the first wave of settlers may need to create a brand new religion that integrates spaceships and the settlement itself into an origin story.
Not everyone agrees with Dr. Szocik’s theory. Dr. Henrich from Harvard has stated that the creation of rituals for group identity would be needed, but not necessarily religion. He worries that the potential of proselytizing others and it could create conflict that would disrupt the harmony of the settlers.
Religion has already been integrated into space programs. From prayers read in space by astronauts, to priests giving blessings to astronauts on trips, to religious messages being sent out into space for possible connection to extraterrestrial life forms.
The development of a Mars program is still in nascent stages, so we don’t know yet how religion will be integrated. But it would be strange for religion to not exist on a planet named for an ancient god.
I’m skeptical of the need to create a brand new religion, especially in the first “wave.” If there ever is a martian society that is self-sustaining, existing religions might adapt to the new environment. New religions, if any, would be more likely to develop over time.
Mike recently posted..Missing note book
I am not only skeptical, I am one hundred percent sure that man will take his religion/s from here there and make a mess there too.
Muskism?
Looney recently posted..A Catalog of Secession Movements.
I had to look up Muskinsm! And why not?
hasn’t enough bloodshed and animosity been constantly stirred with the existing religions on this planet? must we infect a poor defenseless innocent one like mars with our religious virus! 😀
tammy j recently posted..moving on old bean
Yes, but keep in mind that atheism has even more blood on its hands than religion.
Looney recently posted..A Catalog of Secession Movements.
You can’t stop man from being stupid. It simply has not been possible for thousands of years.
No, religion is subject to too many interpretations and conflicts. What they need is a common enemy to unify them. That sometimes works.
Interesting! May be Chinese trying to settle Mars?
I think I will just stick to eating Mars bars or similar, I quite like the Moro bar – actually anything with chocolate 🙂
sorry, didn’t mean to be offhand on the grave matter
Rest assured that you did not offend. I was quite happy with your response.
Good idea.
Fascinating post. The “need” for a belief in something larger than oneself seems very real. Be it religion or otherwise.
A very interesting way of looking at the topic!
My perceptions and attitude toward formal organized religion have evolved through the years. On Mars, how about every individual has their own private religion and/or engagement with spirituality? The rule is one cannot make requirements that others follow their guidelines. You may worship whatever God or embrace whatever spiritual philosophy you wish as long as your actions don’t impinge on another, you dont injure or take a life. Practice your beliefs as much or as little as you wish, but within the privacy of your own home and being as this is a very personal matter. An over-simplification?
Joared recently posted..HEARING — HARASSMENT — HOPE
That would be like India. Here at least as far as those called Hindus are concerned, it is total anarchy. Each individual can do whatever he wants and is perfectly acceptable if he choses not to have any also.
Hi Rummy,
I think that spirituality (and the belief in something higher than them) is inherent to all human beings, even though some like to say they are this and that, or they don’t believe in this or that, for either convenience sake or lack of understanding of the purpose of life. But religion is a different matter: it takes more discipline, whichever religion one may choose to follow. Religion is about law and order; without it chaos ensues.
When we reach Mars: will we need religion? Probably, after all humans are humans. Will we be more spiritual? Absolutely, to keep our sanity.
Cheers
Max Coutinho recently posted..Prince Charles’ Anti-Jew Letter: Clash of Two Royal Houses?
I agree to all your propositions.