Abstract
Explore the paradoxical nature of religion through Ernst Cassirer's insightful analysis, revealing the contradictions between its unifying ideals and divisive realities. Cassirer highlights how religion seeks to embody 'absolute truth' and foster global harmony, yet often results in conflict and subjective interpretations. Discover the historical examples and philosophical perspectives that underscore the complex relationship between religion, human nature, and the pursuit of truth. Uncover the nuances of religious unity and division, from the Crusades to the diverse branches of Islam, and gain a deeper understanding of the role of religion in shaping human beliefs and societies.
Extract
[...] In addition, Shia consider the Quran to be a human work, while for Sunni, the Quran is a divine work of inspiration. In this sense, we cannot say from Cassirer's point of view that there is an absolute truth in Islam, since all Muslims do not agree on this universal and uncontested truth. Finally, as for the paradox of making one hope for a transcendent world when in fact this promised world reflects men's dreams, we can take the example of the Greek religion. [...]
[...] The Religion According to Ernst Cassirer Cassirer's Texts Question What contradictions does Cassirer put forward? Cassirer highlights both theoretical and ethical contradictions. More precisely, it is possible to identify the following three contradictions. Firstly, Cassirer highlights in this text the fact that religion seeks to be a vector of unity, harmony, of 'communion', both with the world, 'nature', and among men themselves and with the so-called 'supernatural' powers, as he affirms. Nevertheless, in practice, religion is, according to Cassirer, a source - or justification - of divisions that can even go as far as conflict or even war, far from unity. [...]
[...] It promises heroes and virtuous individuals that they will dwell in the Elysian Fields after their death. However, this mythical place seems to reflect a very human dream: it has a perpetual spring and this world has its sun and its stars, making it a paradisiacal copy of the world where men live. Thus, any transcendent world promised by religion seems in reality to be the reflection of human dreams. [...]
[...] However, in practice, the Crusades consisted of wars and massacres not only of other armies but also of civilians, whether on the Christian or Muslim side. Thus, the army led by the knight Godfrey of Bouillon against Jerusalem in 1099 massacred Jewish and Muslim civilians after retaking the city from the Seljuk Turks, which is not a sign of communion, quite the contrary. Consequently, while the Christian religion advocates peace, its promotion or even defense could be a source of division and not necessarily harmony in the world. [...]
[...] However, he notes that, when one looks at the history of religions, it consists of a succession of errors and corrections, which makes it, on the contrary, a truth that is entirely relative, or even subjective. In other words, religion would not in fact be the bearer of truth since its dogmas have changed over time. Finally, Cassirer shows that on the one hand, religion holds out to men a transcendent world, that is, a world that surpasses them, of which they cannot take full measure. [...]
