Faith by the Spoken Word - Final Post

We inherit many things from our parents. In the process of growing up, we learn to speak their language. We mimic their actions, striving to become like them. We gain this folk knowledge from our parents without needing to be taught explicitly. We simply learn from their example. Perhaps most importantly, we construct our beliefs according the values taught by our parents. Without question, we accept the religion of our fathers. It’s only after we are grown and we enter a larger world that we realize the variety of religious options that exist. Worldwide there are hundreds of religions that have been preserved throughout the years by oral tradition. Arguably, these religions have thrived only because they have been passed down orally. In fact, oral knowledge has had a more powerful effect upon spirituality and religious practice than any other type of knowledge.

                Some are quick to cite the Bible as the most influential tool in preserving Christianity, inferring that other religious texts are also responsible for the conservation of their religion. Although sacred written texts are indeed necessary to insure that doctrine avoids corruption and manipulation, they do not suffice to keep a religion alive. Words on a page are cold and dead. From personal experience, I know about the emotions that swell within while listening to a religion sermon. Faith swells in the hearts of those that listen to the spoken word. As stated by Kacee in our group discussion, “Oral knowledge teaches you to be human… it’s full of emotion and in the moment.” The personal connection that one feels with a speaker cannot be mimicked by a book (even one as sacred as the Bible). Alyssa pointed out that the sermons given by Jesus Christ are recorded in the Bible, but noted that his apostles wrote down his words, not Christ himself. Regarded by Christians as the greatest religious teacher of all time, Jesus taught orally, choosing to avoid a written medium. Recorded also is the awe and amazement of all who listened to his words. His spoken discourses filled his listeners with excitement, peace and happiness, persuading many to practice the religious principles being taught. Kacee and Alyssa agreed that when something is written down, so much is lost in translation!

                Print knowledge perhaps can spread knowledge to a large audience, but it’s ineffective in protecting religious beliefs. The printing of the Bible failed to preserve religious practices of the time, but instead encouraged rebellion and the formation of new churches and traditions. In many ways, print knowledge destroyed all that had been created and passed down orally.

                This semester I spent hours reading from the Mahabharata, an ancient epic poem which contains the core beliefs of both Hindus and Buddhists. I read incredible tales of gods born to mortals, of prophet warriors, and of a woman persuading death to let her husband live. Unfortunately, even after reading this sacred text, I am not a Hindu. I can’t believe in their gods nor in a woman who had power over fate. Although I agreed with some of the principles taught, the Mahabharata could not inspire in me the faith to believe in the tales. Earlier in the semester, Montana posted about an ancient myth that he came across about the Giant’s Causeway in Scotland. Assuming that anciently some actually believed that this natural wonder was constructed by giants, we see that the written tale has no power to lead us to believe in it. Only the oral tradition would have had enough passion to cultivate belief in someone.

                Having been raised Mormon, I have had many opportunities to listen to those whom we consider called of God as prophets and apostles. Twice a year, we spend an entire weekend listening to these men teach us of God and his commandments. Without fail, at least one message will touch my heart and tears will stream down my face. Their talks inspire such happiness and peace within my soul that I inwardly pledge to follow the principles taught. I am Mormon because my parents raised me that way, but I am still Mormon because of what I feel here.

                Based on all that I have learned about the different forms of knowledge and drawing from my own experiences, I conclude that oral knowledge influences our spiritual beliefs more than any other type of knowledge. Historically religion has been passed from father to son and from mentor to student by oral tradition due to the power of the spoken word to stir up emotion in the listener. Even today, we can experience love, compassion and peace by merely listening to the words of a great minister.