Erm, what I meant was that the argument was originally introduced (whether or not the actual facts have accuracy or not) by apologists seeking to argue that in fact Xtianity didn't put native peoples down, it was that native peoples were actually, y'know, already recognizing the powerz of xtianity, even if that way like wayyyy before xtianity came along. The gist was that since the main symbol was so universal that obviously this meant the religion was universal even if people didn't realize it.
(I put it much more crudely, but that's what it boiled down to, approximately. I should also note that I came across that while studying theology, so my memory may be colored by having been much more critical of such claims -- where now, I dunno, I might just ignore them instead of taking the time to get past the flash to deduce the base message.)
I wouldn't say the cross is any one specific religion, since it's just the second step from the first mark (a straight line), and it's not like it's so complex someone couldn't come up with it. The crucifix, however, is most definitely a religion-specific symbol, just like the prayer-wheel is strongly tibetan-buddhism.
Although vampires that can only be held off by prayer-wheels makes a lot more sense to me -- if only because have you ever seen some elderly devotee get one of those things going? Attach a few razor-tipped ropes to the top of one of those things and it could be a seriously nasty weapon. Lot more use than just something you kinda hold out and, well, hold.
Heh.
Although a cross is still ten times better than a dead fish.
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Date: 27 Nov 2008 12:39 am (UTC)(I put it much more crudely, but that's what it boiled down to, approximately. I should also note that I came across that while studying theology, so my memory may be colored by having been much more critical of such claims -- where now, I dunno, I might just ignore them instead of taking the time to get past the flash to deduce the base message.)
I wouldn't say the cross is any one specific religion, since it's just the second step from the first mark (a straight line), and it's not like it's so complex someone couldn't come up with it. The crucifix, however, is most definitely a religion-specific symbol, just like the prayer-wheel is strongly tibetan-buddhism.
Although vampires that can only be held off by prayer-wheels makes a lot more sense to me -- if only because have you ever seen some elderly devotee get one of those things going? Attach a few razor-tipped ropes to the top of one of those things and it could be a seriously nasty weapon. Lot more use than just something you kinda hold out and, well, hold.
Heh.
Although a cross is still ten times better than a dead fish.