The Christian Lens - How Faith Influences Fact
Greetings Gentle Listener,
Before I get into today’s podcast, I have a few concerns that I need to address. As you know, this podcast is a new addition to (what I hope) is an engaging experience for my visitors. I don’t really know if others find my content engaging…as very few visitors to my site give me feedback; that’s a problem. I’ve also been told, by quite a few persons, that they are reluctant to comment on my blogs or podcast because Squarespace requires them to include an email address; I fully understand why that is a problem for some persons. As I understand it, Squarespace has made this decision in order to weed out potential spam, bot programs, and keyboard trolls. Their decision is beyond my control.
What persons may not know is that after you’ve provided an email address, you can still choose to comment anonymously. I will never see your email address (unless you choose), Squarespace will not send you unwanted emails, and I have no way of harvesting emails that have not been expressly shared with me. You are in control of what I see for feedback.
I truly hope that clears things up. As much as I’m enjoying putting my voice behind thoughts I’ve been formulating for decades, not knowing whether I’m resonating with anyone is causing me to doubt my activity. I’ll continue with this regardless, but I wanted persons to know that I consider this a joint effort. Your involvement in this is as important as the words I put out.
Walking the Zensunni Bardo Path is very lonely when nobody is walking with me.
Very best,
Gryph
Transcript
That said…
Welcome back to another episode of the Zero Barriers Podcast, where we challenge you to think differently by embracing the principle that 'Answer Precedes Question.' Today, we're diving deep into a topic that has shaped our understanding of history, culture, and even our own identities: the Judeo-Christian lens in academia. This isn't just about who gets to tell the story; it's about who gets to write the history books, define 'civilization,' and set the standards by which all other cultures are measured. So, settle in, because we're about to question some deeply entrenched narratives and ask whether they serve us—or serve to keep us confined.
Q: "How did the academic fields of archaeology, paleontology, and anthropology originate, and what role did Judeo-Christian beliefs play in their formation?"
Believe it or not, the academic disciplines we now consider pillars of understanding human history—archaeology, paleontology, and anthropology—didn't start off as the rigorous sciences we know today. They began more as a form of treasure-hunting, with a side goal of filling in the gaps in the widely accepted 19th-century Judeo-Christian narrative of humanity.
Take William Flinders Petrie, often considered the father of modern archaeology. Petrie focused much of his work on Egypt and the Levant. Why? Because at the time, in 19th-century England, the world was largely understood through the lens of the Judeo-Christian Bible, which was considered the ultimate authority on history. The Bible placed significant events and civilizations in these regions, so it made sense for early researchers like Petrie to focus there. The aim was not just to discover; it was to validate the Biblical narrative.
And this focus didn't stop with Petrie. Over time, what have been considered 'important discoveries' are often those that fit neatly into the Judeo-Christian narrative. Biblical sites throughout the Levant, the significance of Egypt initially as a means to prove the Exodus narrative, the reinterpretation of figures like Moses as possibly being one of the many named Thutmose persons, and the ongoing, almost endless, search for the Ark—these are all examples of how this religious lens has shaped the priorities of these academic fields.
So, from the get-go, these fields were steeped in a religious context that guided what was considered 'valuable' to discover and study. This focus has had a lasting impact, shaping the paradigms and priorities of these disciplines up to the present day.
Q: "How has Judeo-Christian academic thought evolved over time, and how does it continue to influence the focus of current research?"
Over the past two centuries, Judeo-Christian academic thought has shown a remarkable ability to adapt, but not necessarily in ways that broaden our understanding of human history. Instead, these adaptations often serve to align religious beliefs with emerging scientific evidence. For example, the six 'days' of creation from the Book of Genesis have been reinterpreted as 'ages' or scientific eons to align with geological and astronomical data. Internal inconsistencies in religious texts are often conveniently ignored or explained away.
Interestingly, the 200 years of research into the ancient city of Troy serve as a counterpoint to this paradigm. The quest to validate Troy was driven by its prominence in Greek, Anatolian, and Roman history, rather than any Biblical narrative. Heinrich Schliemann, who was instrumental in discovering the site, connected Troy to historical Hittite sources, subtly weaving it into the broader archaeological narrative that was being constructed at the time. This shows that when the focus is on validating non-Biblical sites, the approach to research can be quite different.
But despite these exceptions, the adaptability of Judeo-Christian academic thought serves a purpose: it allows for the continued quest to validate Biblical narratives through academic research. Significant scholarly resources are still devoted to finding sites and artifacts mentioned in the Bible. From the search for Noah's Ark to the excavation of Jericho, the aim is often to prove the historical validity of these religious texts. This focus is not just an academic exercise; it's a form of validation that has real-world implications. It shapes public perception, educational curricula, and even international relations.
So, while Judeo-Christian academic thought has evolved to accommodate new scientific findings, its core focus—validating the Biblical narrative—has remained remarkably consistent. This has far-reaching implications, not just for the fields of archaeology, paleontology, and anthropology, but for how we collectively understand our past.
Q: "Why are certain civilizations and regions often ignored or devalued in academic research, and how does this relate to the Judeo-Christian narrative?"
It's fascinating—and frankly, disheartening—to see how the focus on validating Judeo-Christian narratives has led to the sidelining of other civilizations and regions. Take Gobekli Tepe in Turkey, for example. This archaeological site dates back to around 9600 BCE, making it one of the oldest known temple complexes. Yet, it doesn't receive nearly the attention or resources that sites in the Levant do. Why? Because it doesn't fit neatly into the Biblical narrative.
When we look at prehistoric China, we find evidence of advanced civilizations with complex social structures, technological innovations, and rich spiritual traditions. Yet, these are often downplayed or ignored in mainstream academic discourse. One reason? The religious and spiritual traditions that developed in China, like Daoism and Buddhism, don't align with Judeo-Christian ideologies.
The Indus Valley Civilization and its influence on Southeast Asia is another glaring example. These regions had advanced urban planning, complex social hierarchies, and their own rich spiritual traditions. Yet, they're often sidelined because they don't fit into the Judeo-Christian narrative, which has been the yardstick for 'civilization' for so long.
Let's not forget the pre-conquest Americas. Civilizations like the Maya, Aztec, and Inca had highly developed societies, with their own forms of writing, architecture, and spiritual beliefs. Yet, these are often either ignored or worse, reinterpreted to fit a Levant-centric worldview, primarily because their spiritual traditions were polytheistic or animistic, not monotheistic like the Abrahamic religions. Even recent dating of 14,000 year old artifacts, further supporting the long-held internal belief in a long, rich history, receives little more than a footnote in many academic circles.
It's worth noting a particularly egregious example of cultural erasure in the Americas: the creation of the Mormon faith. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon Church, essentially rewrote the history of Indigenous Peoples in the Americas to fit its own religious narrative. This has had a lasting impact on how these civilizations are viewed and studied. Interestingly, despite its divergence from mainstream Christian beliefs, Mormonism is often seen as a 'harmless cult' within the wider Conservative Christian community, perhaps because it serves to further marginalize non-Judeo-Christian narratives.
This selective focus isn't just an academic issue; it's a form of cultural erasure. By prioritizing one narrative over others, we're not just shaping academic discourse; we're shaping how future generations will understand their own history and the history of others. And let's be clear: this isn't just about ignoring other civilizations; it's about reinforcing a power dynamic that has been in place for centuries.
Q: "What are the implications of this Judeo-Christian academic lens on modern society, education, and geopolitics?"
The implications of this Judeo-Christian academic lens are far-reaching and deeply ingrained in modern society. It's not just about which civilizations get studied or which archaeological sites get funding; it's about how these choices shape our collective understanding of history, culture, and even human worth.
In education, this lens influences what gets taught in history classes, what literature is considered 'canonical,' and even how religious studies are approached. The result? Generations grow up with a skewed understanding of the world, one that disproportionately highlights the achievements and perspectives of Judeo-Christian civilizations.
In geopolitics, this lens can be even more insidious. The 'holy land' concept, deeply rooted in Judeo-Christian beliefs, has been a catalyst for conflict and territorial disputes for centuries. Moreover, this religious lens often influences foreign policy decisions, including alliances, aid distribution, and even military interventions.
It's crucial to remember that the focus of this podcast series, the Zero Barriers Podcast, is twofold: 1) to shed light on the voices that are silenced because they 'don't fit' into mainstream narratives; and 2) to challenge the 'Question produces Desired Answer' mindset that often shapes our understanding of the world, replacing it with Answer Precedes Question. This approach forces us to constantly analyze the quality of the questions we ask, thereby enriching our understanding of the world. This episode serves as another piece in that larger puzzle, highlighting how deeply entrenched belief systems can silence diverse perspectives and pre-determine the 'answers' we find.
So, the impact of this academic lens extends far beyond the ivory towers of academia. It shapes public opinion, informs policy, and perpetuates a cycle of cultural hegemony that has been in place for centuries. Breaking free from this cycle requires not just academic rigor, but a willingness to question deeply held beliefs and narratives.
Well…
Q: "How can we begin to dismantle this deeply entrenched Judeo-Christian academic paradigm, and what challenges do we face?"
Dismantling a paradigm that has been in place for over two millennia is no small feat. The Judeo-Christian lens has not only shaped academic discourse but has also been a driving force behind nation-building, geopolitics, and even our collective psyche. This isn't just about changing a few textbooks or diversifying academic panels; it's about uprooting a system that has been used to legitimize power structures for centuries.
The first challenge is acknowledging the extent of the problem. This isn't just a few biased researchers or a handful of skewed studies; it's a systemic issue that permeates every level of academia and society.
The second challenge is the inevitable backlash. Any attempt to shift away from a Judeo-Christian-centric view will be met with resistance, not just from religious communities but also from political entities that have built their platforms on these ideologies.
The third challenge is finding a way to include marginalized voices without tokenizing them. True inclusivity means not just giving people a seat at the table, but also questioning who built the table in the first place and why. I’ve spoken and written at some length about identifying with a number of marginalized and disenfranchised communities. I’ve spent the majority of my life watching from the sidelines as non-marginalized persons made decisions for me and mine from very cushy seats, surrounding tables that have always been out-of-reach. Zensunni Bardo and Zero Barriers are my attempt to build a better table.
However, we must confront the inertia of tradition. People find comfort in the familiar, and the Judeo-Christian narrative is as familiar as they come. Changing this means stepping into the unknown, and that's a step many are hesitant to make.
But despite these challenges, the need for change is urgent. The Zero Barriers Podcast is built on the principle that 'Answer Precedes Question,' pushing us to constantly reevaluate the questions we're asking and the perspectives we're including. It's time to apply that principle here and start asking better questions that can lead to a more inclusive, equitable understanding of our world.
Thank you for joining us on this thought-provoking journey through the Judeo-Christian lens that has dominated academic and societal narratives for centuries. We've explored its origins, its impact, and the challenges we face in dismantling this deeply entrenched paradigm. Remember, the Zero Barriers Podcast is all about asking better questions, because the 'Answer Precedes Question.' As we've seen today, the questions we ask—or fail to ask—can shape our understanding of the world and either include or silence diverse perspectives. So let's commit to asking better questions, ones that challenge the status quo and make room for voices that have long been marginalized. Until next time, keep questioning.
Coming Next
Tune in next week when we re-examine AAT and other modern myths in “The Alien God - Replacing One Myth with Another”. We’ll dive into the somewhat murky waters that draw inspiration from Sumerian and Hindu myths, elements of quantum physics, discoveries about our Solar System, and paradigms that run the gamut from the “Law of Attraction” to detoxifying through energy manipulation
See you soon!
