It's Time To Wake Up - Alan Watts on Religion

Source:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f5yF8GeCG4&ab_channel=TrueMeaning

This video by Alan Watts discusses the origins of the Bible and the nature of divine inspiration. Here's a summary of the key points:

The Catholic Church and the Bible: Westerners received the Bible through the Catholic Church, which compiled the New Testament and adopted the Old Testament scriptures, the canon of which was finalized by Jewish authorities around 100 A.D. The New Testament canon was finalized in 382 A.D. at the Synod of Rome. The Catholic Church presented these scriptures as authoritative, based on both the written word and their ongoing tradition inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Authority and Interpretation: Watts argues that the Bible's authority isn't inherent to the text itself. He points out that various religions have their own divinely inspired texts, making it difficult to objectively judge which is correct. He suggests that the authority of the church ultimately relies on people's belief.
The Nature of Divine Inspiration: Watts differentiates between divine dictation and divine inspiration. He finds the idea of literal dictation unconvincing. Instead, he describes inspiration as a feeling of love for people, a profound wisdom, or mystical experiences. He also suggests it can come through dreams or archetypal messages.
Distortion of Inspiration: Because inspiration is expressed through human beings and their limited understanding and language, it is subject to distortion. This includes the specific religious and cultural context in which a person is raised.
Cosmic Consciousness: Watts proposes that figures like Jesus and Buddha experienced a profound state of "Cosmic consciousness," a universal experience not limited to any specific religion. This experience involves a realization of interconnectedness and a shift in identity.
Interpretation Based on Background: How individuals interpret and express this experience of cosmic consciousness is shaped by their cultural and religious background. Watts concludes by suggesting that this experience often brings a feeling of profound connection and love for others.