In-Person Meetup: Meta-Narratives

Join us for a conversation about spirituality and meta-narratives

Although religious traditions are often compared in terms of beliefs (dogma) or practices (praxis), scholars have argued a major difference between world religions is their meta-narrative, their understanding of the human condition and its solution. Meta-narratives or "grand narratives" are not unique to religions, they also occur in the context of philosophical traditions (eg Marxism) and national myths. Some examples of meta-narratives are:

Buddhism: The problem is ignorance, which is solved by awakening.

Christianity: The problem is separation from God, solved by Incarnation.

Confucianism: The problem is social chaos, solved by adherence to virtue and ritual.

Marxism: The problem is the exploitative ruling class, solved by common ownership of the means of production

Post-Enlightenment/Skepticism: The problem is superstitions, solved by adherence to science and logic.

American civic religion: The belief our country has an ordained goal to spread democracy against tyranny.

Meta-narratives provide an organizing myth for followers, but also present a simplified view of the world. Postmodern philosophy is largely characterized by skepticism of grand narratives.

Questions to consider:
- Are there any meta-narratives that speak to you?
- Do people have to adhere to a single meta-narrative?
- What do we mean by "problem" or "solution"? Are we trying to decrease suffering, increase human flourishing, or something else?