Application to Religion
Religion aims to appeal to everyone and is potentially sought by everyone. It is therefore natural that each of the ways of using language should find a place within religious practices.
Consensus Quadrants
Religious Conceptions: Religion is conceived through definitions of what is right and good.
Religious ideas in scriptures aredeveloped via thoeologians using conceptual language to develop and drive rules and practices required of adherents to the religion. These practices are specified by ethical commandments at the lower end of the ellipse and as the conventions of popular morality at the upper end.
Religious Experience: Religion is received through personal experiences in the spiritual realm.
Accounts emerge from these spiritual experiences. In language, there are personalized prayers and exoteric meanings of scriptures which describe virtues and values.
When scriptures are read as language, then esoteric meanings emerge. Personal mantras are also found here.
Conviction Quadrants
Religious Beliefs: Religion is believed under both personal and social auspices.
In language, this is the realm of theological doctrine where articles of faith and dogmatic creeds are spelled out. Here social enforcement is the norm insofar as that is possible.
In language, beliefs show up as superstitions and ideas that spread without any real justification. The personal right to hold such beliefs is asserted.
Religious Services: Religion is perceived in the performance of specialized services..
In language, religion shows up in the liturgy, the formal procedures to be performed in church; and in rituals that are mandated by scriptures or religious authorities.
In language, religious conceptions are communicated by parables, myths and legends which are expected to capture an essence in a way that deeply resonates with people.
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Originally posted: 15-March-2023.