Ancient Cultures Quote by Gil Bailie
““The very word, religio—to bind (ligio) back (re)—suggests exactly this. Thus these ancient cultures remained profoundly backward oriented. This ritualized return to a primordial past, the very essence of mythological forms of recollection, is what de Lubac perceptively characterized as a “deliberate (though admittedly still instinctive) refusal of history.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Christian Tradition: A History of the Development of Doctrine by Jaroslav Pelikan, 1971
The quote argues that ancient religious rituals intentionally look backward, rejecting forward historical progress in favor of mythic recollection.
In simple terms: Ancient rituals favor past myths over future history.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when tradition blocks progress.
Themes
tradition
myth
history
religion
culture
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
theoretical
When to use this quote
- cultural analysis
- theological study
- historical critique
- ritual design
- education
- null
Key Concepts
ritual
collective memory
symbolic resistance
Questions to Reflect On
- How do rituals shape identity?
- When is looking back beneficial?
A Different Perspective
Such a view may overlook the adaptive benefits of tradition.
