The last thing one wants to be reminded of is those tenets of your faith that prohibit the course of action you are embarking on. Spending time contemplating thou shalt not kill, and thou shalt not covet your neighbour's possessions aren't of paramount importance to somebody about to embark on a looting and pillaging spree.
As both individuals and the church moved to consolidate their power, it became easier to focus on the simple symbols of the faith, like the cross, which were easier to use to inflame people's passions, rather than the ones that favoured contemplation and thought. Besides, if you want to create an enemy, it's easier if you are seen as being different and not having anything at all in common.
As Islam started to rise in prominence, the Protestant reformation occurred. New worlds were opened up and differences became the justifications for actions on all sides of the coin. Instead of being the path to enlightenment, labyrinths became symbolic of confusion, a place to become lost, not find yourself. Now we use it adjectively to mean something unreasonably complex and difficult to comprehend.
Today we use the symbols of our countries and our religion to ferment support for everything from war to political parties. We judge everybody and everything by how they measure up to what we are told these items represent even though, in and of themselves, they have no meaning, only that which we give them.
At one point in our history, we had a symbol we could all agree on, and to some extent still do. It just seems that not very many people are interested in what it stands for anymore. It's far easier to think you know your enemy than to try and know yourself.
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Article comments
1 - SonnyD
I've always been fascinated by labyrinths but never realized their use was so wide-spread. Especially the part about American Indian use. Learn something new every day. Thanks.
I have to wonder, though, if you might have titled this piece something like, "Symbols, Do They Unite or Divide Us?" At least, it seemed to me to be the point you were making.
2 - Scot Butki
We have a labryinth at my church which we talk - kids and adults - for relaxation and peace.It's very cool. I'm pretty clueless on this topic, though, and appreciate you educating us on it.