Here' the thing. The holy books of man were written by men. Some parts try to describe the unknown; e.g. how we got here etc. Some parts try to tell us what to do in practical terms; e.g. don't wipe your arse with the hand you eat with etc. Some parts are codified morality; e.g. don't kill people.
If as a species we are going to survive and prosper it is my contention that we need to take the worlds' holy books and squeeze out of them the good ideas in them into a new codified morality. It has to incorporate the strongest secular and humanistic ideas. It has to be simple enough that 80% of the worlds population can understand it and live by it. It has to codify sustainability or we're heading for oblivion. It must encompass equality of opportunity an idea singularly lacking in the holy books of man. It should take the best bits from all the existing holy books and incorporate them in a recognisable fashion so any follower of an existing dogma will feel included in its message. It needs to be short and simple so it can be quickly translated, accurately translated and cheaply produced by the billion.
What would you keep from the worlds' holy books, secular ideas and humanist values that you would incorporate into 'The Wisdom of our Species'?
Thoughts that came to mind I'm sure you'll add to this.
- Accessible
Simple language
Short
Self consistent
Inclusive of all
Strong guidance values
Finished by the end of 2010
Practical
Pragmatic
Helpful
Encourages sustainability
Unifying
Regards
Chris