The three children

By MikeDiazTheFirst
This post is part of a series called Thoughts and Ideas
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There are many books, theories and philosophies observing the differences derived from birth order. Of course these kinds of things can not really be proven true or the complete story. They say observing a situation will inherently change the way it is with out the observation. Some parents might also go out of their way to try changing the patterns that are discussed. And there is always the exceptions, where from every thing in this situation is the exact same and yet these siblings are not at all within the pattern. However, when discussing things of this nature, one could focus on the 10% different, or the 90% similar. With that caveat, clearly an idea like this is not universal. This could not apply to all people. With all of that said, I would like to talk about the similarities within theses patterns. 

The eldest- The ambitious, responsible, conformist, who is probably too tough.

The middle- The peacekeeping, sociable, rebel, who might try too hard.

The youngest- The free-spirited, charming, risk taker, who could be too idealistic. 

Now that we have compared this small list to everyone we know to be one of three siblings, we can move forward with the thinking that there is something here. Now I would like to look at the most interesting example of the birth order theory: western religion. In broad strokes: there were Jews, then some believed that this new profit was the son of God and they started Christianity, then Mohammad came and his believers started Islam. I understand these are very broad strokes, breaking down thousands of years to one, run on sentence. But looking at the real core, there are profits who tell the people “the word of God”, that is the difference between these religions. So in my simple breakdown God is the father and Judaism is the eldest, Christianity the middle, and Islam the youngest child. 

First off I would like anyone who never thought about the western religions like this to really let this sink in… All three are talking about the same God, just though the teachings of different people who say they know what that God is saying.

Secondly I would like to say we all need something to believe in, it is healthy and important for individual people, as well as a society as a whole, to have a spiritual component. I do not intend on insulting anyone’s faith or beliefs. However any true growth requires an unemotional look in the mirror. We all have flaws, but we can never work on being our best selves if we are not willing to talk about sensitive topics with open hearts and minds. 

Jews are the oldest, by fact but in that like the oldest child they have these rules that they were told to live by and they are going to! There was a way of doing things and they will continue to do so until told other wise. This could lead to some beautiful traditions carried on for over five thousand years, or some ancient ideas forced in modern times. There are many variations and different levels of strictness but Judaism is following “the rules”. But the oldest is usually the strictest rule follower. 

Christianity, the middle child. It’s all about the love, keep the peace, we can all get along if you just change a tiny bit. It is very nice that the over all message is love each other but sometimes this has turned in to many native religions forced into the Christian mold. Not all Jesus believers even go by “Christian” there are so many sects and subsections all in the hopes of including everyone. But this leads to a watered down version, where the deepest core beliefs are followed but many concessions are made along the way. 

Muslims, the youngest child. In some ways more like the oldest in steadfast in “the right way” however different in how to achieve and impose that “right way”.  As many of the youngest children there tends to be a cold hard line of this is the way it is. The youngest always gets told that and so it makes sense to me they would have that within their own lifestyle. However that does not leave much room for inclusivity. You follow the way or you are wrong.

Of course it is a lot to think we could talk about millions of people across thousands of years through out all of their small sects and slight diversions in a few hundred words. However, I try to look at the broadest version I can “see” of a thing. In the broad version can I see any patterns? If so, do those patterns coincide with the more detailed view of the thing. I find going from big to small allows one to not get stuck within all the minutia. 

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MikeDiazTheFirst

Mike was born in Queen, New York to a blue collar family. An avid self educator, artist, and traveler he’s traveled around the globe three times while immersing himself in the culture of 48 different countries and counting.  Read about his journeys and musings here.

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