Talk:Concepts Invented By Religions

Invented or Discovered?

Is it really appropriate to say that these religions "invented" these concepts? I mean, eternity is eternity, whether or not humans comprehended it prior to Christianity. Wouldn't it be more appropriate to say that these religions were the ones who first discovered or articulated these truths? --Benp 23:56, 3 August 2009 (EDT)

The debate between "inventing" or "discovering" a concept is a philosophical one. I like "invent" because it is a stronger verb, but I don't feel strongly about this and understand your point that "discovered" is more appropriate.--Andy Schlafly 00:14, 4 August 2009 (EDT)

Universal Law

Were there any instances of religions prior to Judaism that believed the entire universe was subject to a single, orderly, predictable set of laws laid down by a single lawgiver? This is a fairly crucial concept, since it in turn laid the ground for the scientific method. --Benp 15:39, 4 August 2009 (EDT)

Zoroastrianism predated Judaism by 400 years or thereabouts. It's probably the oldest of all the 'organised' religions and very likely had a strong influence on the theology of Judaism. A central belief was the role of Ahura Mazda in creating asha, the principle of truth by which the cosmos is ordered. I think that fits your concept of a single set of laws laid down by a single lawgiver. JosephMac 17:59, 4 August 2009 (EDT)

Interesting comments, typical of the high-quality insights available on this site. Thank you both (without declaring this particular dispute resolved).--Andy Schlafly 19:25, 4 August 2009 (EDT)