I think that the true definition of the truth depends on the context.
The truth, according to Webster, is "the state of being the case". Basically, a truth cannot be something that is not right, such as "A cat's cradle is a bunch of string." In science, truths are not argued or disputed; they are accepted wholly as what is real. The truth and logic are the momentum behind science. Though it is understandable, that through these scientific truths, knowledge is acquired. From knowledge, one is meant to grow.
Religion doesn't need the truth.
Religion is based not on knowledgeably sound solutions, but rather solutions that are spiritually and morally sound. What is morally true to one man, isn't necessarily the same as what is true to the next man over. Religion is based on the individual's assumption of the facts, rather than a textbook written by a scientist who researched and found the truth to be indisputable. Religion can be disputable. Religion is always changing, unlike the concrete knowledge behind science.
By living in the twisted world of John's (Jonah?) karass, the truth is taken in by the vacuum of Bokononism and spun around into something unlike anything it was before. The fomas, or harmless untruths, take control of a world so chaotic that no science can do it any good. The mysterious religion of Bo
konon, a religion based on falsities, becomes less terrifying and scandalous and more relatable and acceptable as Cat's Cradle reads on, especially to the pathetic citizens of San Larenzo. San Larenzo is a secretly Bokononist nation, with a staggering population and abundant poverty. The San Larenzon lifestyle is not one of glamour or material happiness. The only cares of the typical San Larenzon are "fishing, fornication, and Bokononism". It is understandable to relate to the San Larenzo's desperate desire in a religion that is not logical as they live impoverished. The San Larenzons do not need science to amend their painful existence, but rather an escape through a mystical religion to justify a worth of meaning. Such a hopeless and fruitless nation still prevailed prior to the ice-nine tragedy due to the San Larenzon's secure belief system in lies.Religion is needed for security. Bokononism, though full of total and utter malarky, gives security where science cannot. To live by the foma as Bokonon preaches is truly the solution to the menagerie of desperate characters in Vonnegut's world.
I totally agree with you when you say "religion is needed for stability," however when you say it is always changing I somewhat disagree. Sure maybe certain things are changed due to the situation at the time, but most major religions, such as christianity and buddhism, have been practiced for thousands of years! Also science always changes with new discoveries and theories. Both change, and both provide different types of securities.
ReplyDeleteI'm not so sure science is based on "truths." In fact, I'd argue that it is based on theory masquerading as truth. It is also interesting to think about Frank's role on San Lorenzo. Essentially, he brought science to the island; and, as a result, he was awarded high status (almost becoming President). Of course, b/c everything is a facade, science AND religion remain engimatic entities in the text, only taking identifiable form in apocalyptic destruction and loveless lovemaking... it is the foma then that provide this substance (so that foma is simultaneously truth and lies)?
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