But what comes closest to me emotionally are the maps of meaning I was given when I was a child, before I was able to

filter things out arbitrarily because of conceptual narratives. So they are the ones that rooted themselves in me; they

are the ones that speak to the wholeness of my being, not only my intellect. They are the ones that sink

into the body; they are not just thoughts in my head. They permeate my being, and that is

Christianity. It is our Western inheritance; it's what we have; it is still the ground on which we

germinate as people, despite being in a tremendously secular society, as Western Europe has become.

You know, when push comes to shove, if you get that diagnosis and you have been secular and agnostic all your life, you

get that diagnosis; what you will do is pick up a rosary and pray. Because, regardless of what your thoughts and

your little conceptual narratives are telling you, that's what the root of your being is going to appeal to,

because that's the archetypal foundation of our culture. So if I am feeling vulnerable, or on the contrary, if I'm feeling strong,

but with the awareness that my life is not about me, with the awareness that life is a form of service; it's sacred in the

sense that it's service, um, then I will go to Christian symbology.

Bernardo Kastrup on Christianity (clip)

zenbox

Christianity, as a Western inheritance, deeply roots itself in individuals from childhood, permeating their being beyond intellectual understanding.

Even in secular societies, Christian symbology and archetypes remain a foundational element that people often turn to in times of vulnerability or when seeking a sense of service and sacredness.

Bernardo Kastrup reflects on the profound impact of early emotional experiences, stating that the "maps of meaning" acquired in childhood, before critical filtering, **have deeply rooted themselves**.

These foundational beliefs, unlike purely intellectual constructs, resonate with his entire being. **They permeate his being** and are not just thoughts in his head.

✝️ Christianity as Western Inheritance

Kastrup identifies Christianity as **"our Western inheritance"**, emphasizing its enduring influence even in secular societies.

He suggests that despite intellectual beliefs, in moments of crisis, individuals often revert to Christian symbols and practices, highlighting the **"archetypal foundation of our culture"**.

🙏 Vulnerability, Strength, and Service

Kastrup connects feelings of vulnerability or strength, coupled with the understanding that life is a form of service, to Christian symbology. **Life is sacred in the sense that it's service**.

Early childhood exposure to Christian maps of meaning created a deep emotional connection.

These maps rooted themselves deeply, impacting his whole being, not just intellect.

The connection transcends mere thoughts; it permeates his being.

Christianity is described as a Western inheritance and the foundation of Western culture.

Christianity as a Foundation in Times of Vulnerability

Even secular individuals may turn to Christianity in times of crisis, such as receiving a serious diagnosis.

This response reflects the deep-rooted archetypal foundation of Western culture.

Christian symbology provides comfort and strength, regardless of emotional state.

Life as Sacred Service within a Christian Framework

Life is viewed as a form of sacred service.

Christian symbology is used to express this understanding of life's purpose.

Bernardo Kastrup on Christianity (clip)

Bernardo Kastrup on Christianity (clip)

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