Mankind has been a herd animal the same as almost all other
biological species on the planet since the beginning of time. They discovered
that they lived longer, ate better, and found it easier to obtain a mate when they
hung out with the tribal family. In the evolution of this social order, rules
were developed quite naturally within the group - a pecking order that was
enforced by the older and stronger members of the group. Seniority was a valuable
asset to the group due to their longevity and memory. They knew where to find the
best hunting, fishing, gathering, safety, etc. Strength was also a valuable asset
in the defense from predators and enemies. The older and stronger members
generally had an advantage among tribal members, in the first selection of food,
shelter, mates, etc. as the pecking order developed.
Leadership of the group eventually became divided into two
patterns, an administrative leader surfaced as Chief, King, Ruler, etc., by virtue
of their feats of bravery, skills in the use of weapons, and being a successful
hunter. They usually served by mutual consent of the majority of the group.
Occasionally there would be a challenge by others who felt more deserving of
this leadership role and the dispute was usually settled by some sort of public
combat, or by the mutinous murder of the reigning monarch.
The second leadership position was created by cunning and
magic to address the many superstitions that existed. This position interpreted
past and present events into future consequences and relied heavily on
illusions and an acquired knowledge of human behavior. Although this position
did not usually compete with or threaten the ruling positions of the tribe, it
did have a great influence over decisions made by the tribal rulers. This
position became known as a Shaman, Witch Doctor, Medicine man, Wizard, Priest,
etc. who wore costumes befitting their mystical powers.
As human social cultures have advanced through thousands of
years, these two positions have become more and more complex. Instead of a
single individual occupying these positions, many societies now have numerous
individuals functioning corporately, sharing the responsibilities of leadership.
Some societies have incorporated these two positions into a single role, both as
reigning administrative leader and religious cleric with total authority.
Today, most societies which still maintain the two basic
leadership positions use completely different sets of values for making
decisions for the tribes. The administrative leaderships base their daily decisions
primarily upon current facts regarding neighboring or world social conditions,
using factual history and current knowledge as the measure to predict future
results. Although this method of leadership has been in evolution for thousands
of years, it still has not become perfectly suited to the ever changing needs
of today’s tribes and cultures.
The leadership of the religious side of the tribal equation has
continued to base their rituals, philosophies and knowledge on thousand year
old superstitions developed through ancient and mythological legends and
theories which were used to control the obedience and continued support of
tribal members. An irrefutable reward and punishment system in an afterlife was
devised by Shaman of the tribe to control behavior and perpetuate their position
and power which was claimed to be beneficial to the tribe. Today, these
mystical rituals can be found in almost every religious sect on the planet.
Although the method of selecting the leaders of our tribes
has changed, its results have not improved. Administrative leaders continue to
make decisions that benefit only a small and wealthy segment of the people.
They obviously make decisions in favor of the power and money that has placed
them in leadership positions and not for the welfare of the tribe for whom they
were elected. They generally see the majority of tribal members as temporary tools
to be used and discarded. Wars and dissention have existed between tribal units
throughout history, and continue unabated today. The only historical difference
in our battles is the ever increasing number of enemies we are able to destroy
as we progress into the future of technological and modern warfare.
The religious leaders operate in much the same manner as
they have for thousands of years. They maintain ancient and mythological
rituals in order to promote their version of spiritual philosophies and to
justify or promote their existence. The dissension and violence between
religions has also increased with time. The much expressed religious mission to
save or convert the world’s population is paled in comparison to the resources
spent on their religious buildings and schools, their frequent conferences, their
comfortable pews, their numerous staff positions, and their more than adequate salaries
for religious leadership, etc.
Churches and denominations have become social
networks of like-minded tribal members where they are continually indoctrinated
and stroked; where the care and nurturing of their young promotes continuation
of the sect; places where newborns ritually become members of the tribal
afterlife without their consent or understanding; where marital alliances are celebrated
and made public; where phobic apprehensions of death and a mysterious afterlife
are cultivated, and where the passing of a loved one is comforted only by words
of hope for a desirable afterlife.
Our search for intelligent life somewhere in the universe is
an ultimate irony when you consider the condition of the intelligence and
civility demonstrated by the humanity of this planet. Administrative positions
of leadership have evolved out of necessity in the pursuit of civilized
societies. Religions have continued for thousands of years out of superstitions
and ignorance and continue based on ancient relics and myths. If there is another
intelligent culture somewhere in the universe also seeking to communicate with other
intelligence, I’m afraid they will surely pass us by -- or should.
