To make good sheep

The depth of religious thought of an average American is probably on a par with the intellectual depth of a fifth grader. I gathered this conclusion from Susan Jacoby, the author of The Age of American Unreason, who said that our country is barely smarter than a fifth grader.

So where does this put Buddhists? I would hope on a much higher level. At a level approaching Piaget’s last stage of childhood development which is the formal operational period. Here the adolescent can engage in abstract thinking such as hypothetical thinking and operational logic. Regrettably, however, a fifth grader is in limbo between concrete operations and formal operations. Accordingly, it is probably difficult for the average fifth grader and, naturally, the average American, to consider multiple perspectives. At this level the thinking is still egocentric.

A quick perusal of America’s fifth grade religious values finds them to be rule oriented and, especially, concrete which goes along with an undeveloped mind. Jesus, for example, is believed to resurrect in the flesh despite the fact the Paul, as he drew near Damascus, beheld a great light that appeared brighter than the sun (Acts 26: 12–18) that claimed to be Jesus. This light was not a flesh and blood person. But this fact is ignored by Christians who can’t see the contradiction. And so it goes throughout the history of Christianity that is often more fitting for children than adults with their penchant for the concrete. This observation, in general, applies to Judaism and Islam as well.

This is not to say that Buddhism’s followers are vastly superior; but, by and large, they have more respect for what is beyond the concrete which can only be accessed by way of specialized meditations. The Buddha, himself, exhorted his followers to look within—not seek externally attempting to make heaven on earth.

However, Buddhism proves to be a tough sell in America only because Americans are, essentially, spiritual fifth graders. They generally want to use Buddhism for what ails them rather than as a means to advance beyond the human continuum to Buddhahood. In other words, they want Buddhism and its teachers to help them with their own particular path. Perish the thought that if they expect to attain nirvana they must follow the Buddha’s path. Unfortunately, such an immature attitude is bad for Buddhism. It needs emphasizing that Buddhism can’t be dumbed down and still be Buddhism or if it is, it is ‘junk Buddhism’ on the same shelf as junk entertainment and junk food.

The trend line of the American intellect is going downhill as with its religious intelligence. More and more, the bulk of the American religious population is hooked on concrete thinking. They are waiting for the “rapture” or some other kind of great religious event to save them. But none shall ever come. But that fact doesn’t mean an end to religious factories that manufacture illusions and dreams for those with childish minds. There is money and political power to be had by keeping people childish and immature—and intellectually weak. It all goes to make good sheep who are easily led to the slaughter house in terms of samsara.

Comments

[Frank]

This article is brilliant: fun to read and dead-on accurate, IMO. I wouldn't worry about it being perceived as non-compassionate to the average American either--the average Christian is happy enough "accepting" the idea that people go to hell just because they can't bring themselves to beliiieeevvveee absurdities. Anyway, I don't despise them; it's just that they CAN'T see the more abstract ideas.

[Bodhiratna]

Bravo bravo! this article indeed best described 'what it is like' in the typical
American people's mind regardless whether they claim to be 'spiritual' or not.

And to see the American people and society this way, I think, is to keep oneself away from becoming subdued and/or affected by these people's deranged minds.

No doubt, and perhaps this is just one aspect of the Mara mind that one needs to sail right through in order to reach the 'other shore' of Nirvana.

Furthermore, I am glad the article's skillful writing style also can lead one's mind to introspection and thus, one can experience an expanded view into the real Mind. And I think this goal can be accomplished only after one ceases playing with those '5th graders'..LOL