“What a devious system.”, I said playfully. I started to see religion in a whole new light. Any feelings I had that there might be a god out there somewhere, went away. I saw that the whole thing is a scam created to control people from the very beginning. I thought about the fading of religious beliefs, and how fanatics feel threatened by the new cultural standards being accepted in societies around the world. I asked him, “What about all the conflict between religions?”
I thought about what he had said about religion as a tool of domination. I could see that in the earlier pre-christian religions, and certainly the old testament, was all about social control, but Jesus preached things differently, and his teachings were the basis of Christianity. I decided to try to continue our conversation. So, I asked him, “Doesn’t Christianity preach against self interest?”
He spoke with such passion that I did not know what to say after all that. There was a silence as he waited for me to absorb everything he said. He was smiling, Happy to reveal his truth at last. It was apparently ordained by God and Darwin.
I started to see how they changed their own story over time to maintain their superiority within it. To him it was a natural progression, but I saw their need to center themselves within the story of humanity. They believe that domination is the path to success and evolution.
“Previously, during the monotheistic phase, the monotheistic religions believed that their own god was the only true god. Over time, there were many conflicts over who’s god was the one true god. The genius of the last couple centuries was slowly replacing these gods with the market. The market created a bridge for the major religions. It was easy to make the leap from god in the sky to god in the market. Which in turn means that everyone participating in the market is doing God’s will. Those who have become wealthy through the market are favored by God. How could it be otherwise.
“In the beginning of civilization we controlled agricultural production and distribution of food. After the first revolt, which happened over control of the food stores, we took command of the gods. We created standing armies, and made alliances with the priests. They became the first figure heads. People listened to them because it was believed that the gods spoke through them. The gods controlled the weather and the seasons. In practice, the priests were the keepers of the calendar.
One day when I felt he was in a good mood and wanted to talk, I finally asked him, “What is The Game?”He smiled as if he had been waiting for this question, and was impressed that I finally asked it.
Sindy vanished. I wanted to tell her about my experiences, and get her advice. Maybe she knows something about Molly. I want to know more about her. I haven’t seen her since our night together. I can’t stop thinking about her.
I thought of the idea of God’s chosen people. From what little I know about human conflicts it often seems like those attacking others, believe in some form of god’s chosen people. The conflict was not between groups of people, but between groups who believe that their specific group is the only one that has a right to exist. His tribe of individualists are no different than any other religious faction, that believes in one true god, who must dominate the world. Only, their gods are themselves. The class war is passive and underhanded, rather than overt and bloody.
For the next day, I thought about how often people move, and what kinds of effect this has on relationships. People move for work, relationships, beginning and ending. Any major transition in consumer life involves a move. Work is placed away from the home, so that people meet others from other parts of the city, and spend less time around those they live near.
“Don’t people lose money on property? What about paying property taxes?”, I asked.