This chapter uses the writing of Donald Lopez to analyze the term “belief.” He brings up arguments about the term from a philosophical perspective . Then, he features two instances in history, highlighting the manner in which belief is used. The first historical instance refers to the common assumption of belief being the reason for the murder of Peter of Verona. Going contrary to this assumption, Lopez claims that Peter of Verona was murdered because of his criticism of and deeds against the Cathars. In this second instance, Lopez talks about Henry Olcott, who used this notion of belief when it came to teaching Buddhism in what is …show more content…
When a belief or belief system is the standard in a specific culture, there is not much, if any, need for questioning or justification. The belief phases into what gives it power and the probability of thriving, which would be the culture and the people within it. “Ideology is that group of intertwining beliefs that makes possible certain kinds of cultural consensus or knowledge, but precisely because it is everywhere and nowhere, ideology tends to disappear— so to speak—“ into” the things that it makes possible” (Nealon and Giroux, pg. 87).
These conclusions about ideology and belief go hand in hand. In most cases, a belief is held unconsciously, depending on how strong the belief is. Because of this, there cannot be a remotely accurate judgement on a belief through a simply play on words. Instead, in order to gain meaning and understanding of the belief and its use, there has to be an observation for its role in the everyday life of the one who holds that belief (Lopez 24).
Ideology gives credence to those who see belief as the main indicator of