Most religions begin as a reformation. Moses’ law is a reformation of the common code of law in ancient society—a distinctly moral improvement. Buddhism is a reformation of the extreme practices of the yogi in Northern India. Christianity is a reformation of an exclusionary Judaism of Second Temple Judaism. Islam is a religious reform of the paganism of Arabia. Each of these is a moral, humane step forward from the cultural experience of the previous religions.
Religion is almost never a power play. It is an attempt to make life better for all. Sometimes religions, when they begin, might be misguided or too extreme. But time softens the edges and changes the perspective. Over time, all religions reflect the traditional norms of a society, rather than forms them.
Interesting thoughts.
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