The Bene Gesserit Sisterhood on Religion...

“Die Religion... ist das Opium des Volkes”

In 1843, Karl Marx, the German economist and Communist political philosopher typified religion with the now famous quote: “Religion is the opiate of the people.” This concept implies pacification if not sedation and an outright exploitation of the populace. Organized Earthling Religions, once separated by time from their charismatic founders, have always had a sinister component of control built into them. Religious orders (along with their darker relatives, the secret societies) consistently attempt to keep their collective thumbs on the population.

One of our associates, and one of the most successful secret societies of all space-time, the Bene Gesserit, has some relevant things to say on the subject…

“Religion (emulation of adults by the child) encysts past mythologies: guesses, hidden assumptions of trust in the universe, pronouncements made in search of personal power, all mingled with shreds of enlightenment. And always an unspoken commandment: Thou shalt not question! We break that commandment daily in the harnessing of human imagination to our deepest creativity.”

- Bene Gesserit Credo

It has always been the questioners of religious authority who have found themselves abruptly tied to the proverbial stake (NO-body expects the Spanish inquisition!!! Amongst our weaponry are such diverse elements as fear, surprise, ruthless efficiency, an almost fanatical devotion to the Pope, and nice red uniforms!!!). The detrimental aspects of the various religious orders are painfully (no pun intended) obvious. It is the “shreds of enlightenment”… remnants from the charismatic founders… hidden within Earth’s myriad religions that are of interest and value to the individual human.

The beauty (and vindication) in this church vs. individual relationship is that the insight or gnosis and hence power gained by the individual potentially outweighs the negative oppression imposed by the religious order. The survivable and redemptive quality in this relationship is that religious order cannot control the creative potential of the individual. As we all know, one person can be a powerful catalyst of evolution. And that, my friends, is what keeps hope alive.

Power to the people, right on! – John Lennon

- Sensei