The Pillars of Human Society

My Dad, Gonzo, once told me that there are three pillars to human society. Religion, Politics, and Economics. I have found this to be a true statement, and a wonderful context to view history under.

First, a little background: My father, being a Jehovah's Witness, views the world as being ruled by Satan the Devil and his demons (Carriertom, can you provide a scriptural quote for me). At some point in the near future, God (Jehovah) is going to step in and get rid of Satan, his Demons, his human followers, and the system of things that we live in. Gonzo felt that the three pillars of human society were the main systems by which Satan controlled humankind.

Regardless of whether someone believes the above paragraph, the three pillars is an interesting concept. Consider: For the first few thousand years of mankind's written history, the religious sector had the most power. Priests and later Christendom held sway over kings and governments. During the "middle ages" in Europe, the political pillar began wrestling control from the religious pillar. This caught on and we can see now that most governments have at least some measure of separation from religion.

The political pillar kept the main form of power through the Cold War. Once the Soviet Union dissolved, something new happened. The economic pillar bought its way into power. No need for messy wars. With the most powerful governments in existence being republics, they simply backed the candidates that they wanted voters to choose from. Today, at least in the United States, it is a commonly held belief that the politicians serve the economic interests that put them into power (look at my postings on global warming and you'll see ample evidence on that issue alone).

What has been the result? I have to agree with Gonzo's quote from the Bible that "Man has ruled man to his injury." Instead of using their power to better human society, the religious pillar kept seeking more and more power for the sake of having it. The political pillar, once it gained its heyday, did the same thing. It appears that the economic pillar is also seeking the same goals, only now the cost will be all of humankind. With ample evidence that we need to change our energy sources or face huge food crisis as well as economic losses as the climate changes worldwide, we keep with business as usual because it is currently the most profitable.

Yes, I am a pessimist, but only becuase I don't see much to be optimistic about.

Comments

[Tom Sheepandgoats]

As requested, here are a few verses that fit with your article: 

We know we originate with God, but the whole world is lying in the [power of the] wicked one. 1 Jn 5:19

 Now there is a judging of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. Jn 12:31

So he brought him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the inhabited earth in an instant of time;  and the Devil said to him: “I will give you all this authority and the glory of them, because it has been delivered to me, and to whomever I wish I give it. Luke 4:5,6

 So down the great dragon was hurled, the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth; he was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him.   Rev 12:9

The state of today's world is not inconsistent with these thoughts, is it?

[Tom Sheepandgoats]

The three pillars are just what Gonzo says they are. But this putting them in order, as you have done, is very perceptive. From religious, to political, to economic domination. Human society has sort of evolved that way.