Gods

Working out in my head the recurrent issue of religion. Why it gets so mangled with politics, preventing rational thought, or at least pragmatic functionality. I suspect because religion, at least in the west, has always been the mechanism for political movement, just as it worked as science and family and societal cohesion. However imperfectly, and however badly for the individuals, organized religion has been the authority upon which our cultural systems have been based. It's only in the very recent past has the idea of separation of Church and State been a viable concept, and more recently still that it's been actually attempted.

Getting gods out of government is no easy task, because a void is left that must be filled with something. A Constitution is good, but when the people see it as the fine print on a warranty and skip reading it, only pulling out catchphrases they've heard from others, it's no better than any holy book. Gods are useful, words can be put in their mouths, and become impossible to absolutely refute. Nice double edged sword though, both ruler and ruled can wield it.

We live and die, thrive and suffer, by our stories. As individuals with how we interpret our particular experiences. As societies with our religious stories. Changing them into myths less poisonous takes great tale tellers, and generations. The gods brace themselves, and hope for no more gore, or tentacles.