#short Martin Butler’s discussion suggests that religions are, in many ways, more aligned with death than with life, at least in the context of the death and life drives as he presents them. While many people traditionally view religions as promoting life—through teachings on morality, community, and the celebration of creation—Martin’s analysis points in a different direction.
He argues that the structured, repetitive nature of religious practices, such as those in monasteries or temples, is more about denying the chaos and unpredictability of life. This orderly way of living—where individuals follow set routines, wear similar clothing, and hold unified beliefs—is closer to the concept of the death drive, which favors stability, sameness, and the absence of differentiation. Such environments, according to Martin, embody high entropy, which is akin to death, as there is little energy exchange or creative force at play.
Religions often focus on transcending the worldly desires and chaos associated with the life instinct (Eros). They encourage followers to embrace simplicity, discipline, and sometimes even a rejection of physical pleasures—all of which can be seen as a form of moving towards the order and stability that Martin associates with the death drive. By imposing rules and uniformity, religions create an environment that mitigates the chaos and unpredictability of individual desires, aiming instead for peace and a sense of ultimate tranquility.
Therefore, Martin implies that while religions may have aspects that celebrate life, they are fundamentally about managing, controlling, and often denying the chaotic energies that drive pure creativity and vitality. In his view, this aligns more with the concept of death than life, as they tend toward order and a rejection of the spontaneity that characterizes true life force.
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Is there really "thinking" in religion ?
Where’s the full video?