Natural vs. Revealed Religion: A Rousseau Perspective
Natural and Revealed Religion: Criticism of Fanaticism
Natural religion and revealed religion (or positive religion) arose in response to the mechanistic worldview of the time. Proponents felt God had been excluded from explanations of the universe, becoming an unnecessary concept. Natural religion excludes elements that create diverse creeds, focusing on reinterpreting the concept of God.
Positive religions are the various religions practiced worldwide by many faithful. Examples include Catholicism, Protestantism, and Islam. Rousseau sought to understand and explain the existence of God through these two religious perspectives. Natural religion was primarily defended by Enlightenment thinkers, notably Voltaire, representing deism, while Rousseau leaned towards theism. Deism, in relation to natural religion, posits that religion is unnecessary, but respects the right to private religious belief.
The central issue of natural religion involves isolating the mythical and ritual content from what is considered a natural or rational basis of religion. This creates a conflict with positive religions, which emphasize ritual obedience by the faithful. Key differences between natural and positive religion include:
- The truths of natural religion are understood through reason, while positive religions rely on faith.
- Natural religion is universal, appealing to all humans with intelligence and feelings, while positive religions are specific to particular people and traditions.
- Natural religion minimizes ritual, while positive religions consider ritual an integral part of revelation.
- Natural religion promotes tolerance and self-love, while revealed religions can lead to fanaticism and diminished self-esteem.
The Dangers of Fanaticism
According to Rousseau, fanaticism arises when one religion claims to be the sole possessor of truth. This bigotry has fueled religious wars throughout history. Defending one’s revealed religion with arms deviates from rationality.
Rousseau notes that natural religion resides in the heart of every person, while revealed religions tend to divide people. Religious freedom is based on respecting the natural religion inherent in all and respecting the revealed religion others choose to follow. The vicar admits to celebrating Mass with greater fervor after embracing these principles.
The Importance of Respect
Rousseau maintains that individuals can hold particular faiths while respecting others, as natural religion is universally accessible in the depths of the heart, where God resides. If one seeks God in human consciousness, anyone can find Him. In essence, natural religion is universal, simple, rational, devoid of specific rituals, and guides moral behavior.
Revealed religion, in contrast, is unique to believers, complex, irrational (supernatural, requiring faith), laden with incomprehensible rituals, and, according to Rousseau, can lead to serious moral errors like religious wars. This distinction is crucial for rejecting the religious fanaticism of positive or revealed religion and embracing a natural religion of the heart, where Rousseau believes everyone can find unity.