What about the concept of “faith” -Is the Religio Romana a faith-based religion?
The concept of faith, in the modern sense, is mostly a component of eastern religion. This interpretation pertains to blind allegiance; a confidence and trust where the emphasis is placed on deriving in a supernatural afterlife what is lacking in this extant world. The person becomes preoccupied with future occurrences, instead of focusing on improving present circumstances. This idea of faith as a whole was foreign to the ancient Romans. The Religio Romana is a utilitarian belief system based on mutual respect and benefit, as it pertains to our current existence; divine intervention is sought and expected with the intent of achieving Pax Deorum. This pragmatic approach to faith releases one from following blindly and hoping for improvement in one’s existence after passing, and instead places the emphasis on obtaining optimum results in this life–with the understanding that one’ s purpose in this world is preeminent to what transpires in the next.
