Are you religious?

[Kate]

I'll have a look and a think about that Gep, thanks.

My initial thoughts are that religion is passed on through shared cultural memories. It's invented by influential people, usually to give or keep them in power and is sold to the masses. At some point the beliefs take on energy of their own and appear to have been received supernaturally.

If we didn't have religion someone would invent it as a means to profit or control.

It's not religion that's pervasive, it's superstition. Religion is just a formal version of superstition.

Why do people not walk under ladders or put horseshoes on their doors? There's no scientific basis for that any more than there is for supernatural deities. There must be some use in developing behaviour this way even though we can eventually come to the conclusion that particular beliefs or behaviours are unnecessary.

There are some good thought provoking games here that I bet you'd enjoy Gep - Games and Interactive Activities

I'm tired so not thinking very well but I seem to remember one of those deals with acquired habits/beliefs.

 

[Vapor Pete]

VP i'm not sure what the number is but it was an average that I believe is equivalent to today's maximum age. Yes, some live longer and more live less but an average. Yes you are right it was after Noah but you can see the progressive decrease until the "alloted"(not allowed)from the time of Adam. Yes, I know it's gone up in the recent decade to the 72.5 or something. My great grandmother lived to 104. Telemeres are cellular structures and I don't know much about them either. I just threw this out as food for thought.

Ok, I gotcha on the cellular thing. My only point would be that when scientist study the people of Noahs time, there is no evidence of anyone living 700 years. Its impossible. Im a little confused because on one hand your saying there is a decrease in age, but then say its gone up? And yes, lifespans have been increasing for decades. I believe at one time in history, (perhaps Noahs time?) 35 or 40 was old age.
My best,
-VP

 

[wanderlust]

No that was not during Noah's time but much more recent. Certainly, man has the ability to shorten his life but it appears he can not lengthen it beyond a certain point. I would really love to learn more about the telemeres though.

 

[gep]

Thanks for the link, Kate. I will check it out.

And you're right, if it wasn't religion it would be called "Bob" or something and it's purpose would be to keep us in line.

But I separate that from spirituality.

And goodness...it's the middle of the night for you. Tell us all to piss off and go get you some sleep.

Wanderlust: Are you referring to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs?
(edit: 'cause that was the semester before last and I think I've ejected the bulk of that data in exchange for balancing my checkbook)

 

[Kate]

Goodnight all x

 

[Vapor Pete]

Certainly, man has the ability to shorten his life but it appears he can not lengthen it beyond a certain point.

wander..... its because we die.

My best,
-VP

 

[Vince1]

I have considered all of the religions at one time or another and examined their main points of interest only to settle on what can only be a combination of Christin faith and Buddhist moral perceptions. Leaving out the whole "mandated fellowship" that is used to herd to masses into compliance until they reach an age of understanding and find enough faith and belief in the truth and a willingness and understanding to actually follow this.
A person can only grow so far in a "group" religion and while this IS enough for most every person today, There will always be some of us that are willing to let go of our earthly bonds of materialism and possessions, lust and greed and seek a higher understanding.
In this case it's just you and your Higher power and your understanding will never be understood by those who have not followed your exact path. Thus many come to a realization that there is no need to even try to share personal spiritual growth because others simply can not comprehend where you are at in your current knowledge.

Barns and pens are for the young and timid of the flock, to keep them safe and warm. The open fields and endless woods are for those who are secure in their faith and are not afraid to walk through the valley of the shadow of death.

This post is merely a commentary on a personal observation and is not intended toward any person or religion. Just how I know things to be in my world at this time and this will likely evolve into a better understanding as my beliefs always do so long as I continue to grow and learn and never for one minute think that I understand everything at any one time. To do so would stop my journey and I would probably regress to a state where I would just give up and go back to the barn.

Just for the record my belief is completely in God almighty and Jesus Christ.

 

[gep]

I have considered all of the religions at one time or another and examined their main points of interest only to settle on what can only be a combination of Christin faith and Buddhist moral perceptions. Leaving out the whole "mandated fellowship" that is used to herd to masses into compliance until they reach an age of understanding and find enough faith and belief in the truth and a willingness and understanding to actually follow this.
A person can only grow so far in a "group" religion and while this IS enough for most every person today, There will always be some of us that are willing to let go of our earthly bonds of materialism and possessions, lust and greed and seek a higher understanding.
In this case it's just you and your Higher power and your understanding will never be understood by those who have not followed your exact path. Thus many come to a realization that there is no need to even try to share personal spiritual growth because others simply can not comprehend where you are at in your current knowledge.

Barns and pens are for the young and timid of the flock, to keep them safe and warm. The open fields and endless woods are for those who are secure in their faith and are not afraid to walk through the valley of the shadow of death.

This post is merely a commentary on a personal observation and is not intended toward any person or religion. Just how I know things to be in my world at this time and this will likely evolve into a better understanding as my beliefs always do so long as I continue to grow and learn and never for one minute think that I understand everything at any one time. To do so would stop my journey and I would probably regress to a state where I would just give up and go back to the barn.

Well said, Vince! Particularly the part I bolded. I couldn't agree more.

 

[Bryn]

Goodnight all x

Love it! Good night!

 

[mobhs]

Pagan and Proud. See Avatar

 

[Nuck]

I remember reading years ago the difference between potential and average life span. The potential for a human being was around 116 yrs and never changes. The average has been rapidly increasing in North American due to advancements in science and a better educated populace. I know the average lifespan in Canada is about 80 yrs now.

You based your entire premise on a foundation that has no basis in fact. You know what the bible says about building a house on sand

 

[gep]

I'm sure for the right price and with the right technology one could remain clinically alive for a very long time.

I personally would rather have quality of life than quantity and I have no desire to have my family go into incredible debt to keep me attached to some machine. That's not a life.

In one of my classes the question came up: Just because medicine can prolong life with drugs and various therapies, should they?
If so, at what cost?

 

[Buddha]

I thought that cartoon was intended to expose the lazy thought taught by doctrine.


One of the reasons I really like Buddhist teachings is because it encourages you to find truth in a rational, humanist context rather than making us believe we are too stupid to work it out. Buddhism compliments real science and ethical philosophy.

Don't get me started. I heard about this place from God. Carry on, or not. I prefer my own deafening silence. Nirvana is a goal that you have already reached. That doesn't mean you don't have to keep trying to get there. Sometimes you have to go backwards. In an empty space there is much room to dance. You get the idea or you don't get the idea. It's just an idea. Or is it? God, I need a little help here!!!! God says I don't need any help. Become nothing and you have everything. Desire everything and you have nothing. Nobody understands me, most of all myself. Hmmm... that shows understanding doesn't it. Of course it doesn't. I guess you might think that I am God, or at least a Godhead (whatever that is - did I say that?). Hey SmokeyJoe, check this guy's IP address.

Really it's been fun. Or rather it's been real. Or has it? Where is Lao-Tze when I need him?

 

[Lao-Tze]

You rang??????????????????????????????????????

 

[mamu]

Really it's been fun. Or rather it's been real. Or has it? Where is Lao-Tze when I need him?

You rang??????????????????????????????????????

Hahaha... you boys make a good tag team.

Now all we need is Jesus!

uh...maybe I shouldn't have said that.

Really, now why get a new screen name just to post on this thread?

 

[gep]

Don't get me started. I heard about this place from God. Carry on, or not. I prefer my own deafening silence. Nirvana is a goal that you have already reached. That doesn't mean you don't have to keep trying to get there. Sometimes you have to go backwards. In an empty space there is much room to dance. You get the idea or you don't get the idea. It's just an idea. Or is it? God, I need a little help here!!!! God says I don't need any help. Become nothing and you have everything. Desire everything and you have nothing. Nobody understands me, most of all myself. Hmmm... that shows understanding doesn't it. Of course it doesn't. I guess you might think that I am God, or at least a Godhead (whatever that is - did I say that?). Hey SmokeyJoe, check this guy's IP address.

Really it's been fun. Or rather it's been real. Or has it? Where is Lao-Tze when I need him?

You rang??????????????????????????????????????

A little late to the party boys? Maybe G-man will come back and you three can hash it all out.....

 

[God]

A little late to the party boys? Maybe G-man will come back and you three can hash it all out.....

? I never left. I never will. I can only change the way I appear to you. I am that I am (Buddha gets it. He is a good student, a lousy teacher, a bit too cerebral but a good student nevertheless). Yogi Berra gets the Zen thing. I told you you can find me everywhere.

I'm still on the fence about letting Jesus come back, as you know. Oh, he deserves to come back an lead the world, it's not him per se, what a good heart, he stood up for Me big time. Right to the end. He's with Me now, forever. One of My best spokesman... but those that latched on to him got up in arms. Quite literally, in arms. Politicians. He was good boy, a real man but after he "passed on" (he didn't BTW) that First Council of Nicaea got way out of hand. Constantine's persecution thing for non-believers really caught on. Thank God that was before weapons of mass destruction. I told you it was easy to pervert things. A cat can't do that, or a tree, or a rock. Only a creature that thinks and speaks. Like you.

"Religion" (which is not to be confused with belief in Me) can't have any agenda but Love. Period. And I don't mean being merciful to the cruel, because that adds up to being cruel to the merciful. That's a fitting Zen meditation. I like Zen, a great invention. It's discomforting to the mind but great for the spirit. A bit self-centered but a good stepping stone to Me nevertheless. I mean you can only get to me through yourself.

I'd talk about Mohammed but in today's climate (actually, since the 11th century or so) I might be branded politically incorrect, as you know. The early Islamic caliphs were brilliant Sufists. Even Kabbalists. (That's a science, by the way, not a religion). The metaphysics of Islam, the math, the medicine and literature was brilliant. Full of the genius of love. Even Jihad. Highly evolved. But then their "organization" got the persecution bug too. They failed the "challenge" right then. The higher you get the easier to fall. (Zen)

I know I don't make it easy, (no pain no gain, also Zen) but it's not right to take it out on everyone else who doesn't see it your way no matter how much I compel you to do so with "proof". The means doesn't always justify the end. and there is an end, sort of.

And that is coming. I will be doing something drastic within the next 240 years or so. Could happen for the best as I intended, could happen earlier. The Messiah and Resurrection thing. It's not exactly what you think. But it's entirely up to you on how it plays out. It's the challenge, choice, responsibility thing. See you then. Even if you're dead.

So please try to get it together before you die. There aren't many reincarnations left. It will be so much better for you if I don't have to wait until you're resurrected. But I'll do that anyway, only because I love you.

So if you'll excuse me I have a few asteroid flight plans to adjust. If you only knew. But you can't be 100% sure until I let you in on my little secrets. It's better than sex if you can believe that. You just have to...

Trust Me. I'm the only ONE that really knows. That's a comfort when you get that.

Peace and Love,

God (Make Me yours)

 

[Kate]

I don't suppose anyone could persuade Kali and Artemis to turn up, I'd love to meet them?

 

[Buddha]

I don't suppose anyone could persuade Kali and Artemis to turn up, I'd love to meet them?

And I thought you liked me? Did you change your mind. I don't believe you. If you understand me you would be in a different place. Your true place. Unless you're putting us on. Right, you're putting us on?

God says to get out of here now. That is ALL. (Zen, Kabbalah and Sufism).
You've got the keys, it's up to you to open the doors. There are many keys and one door. There are many doors and one key. That's the way it is, it's all for you, not for us. We can take it or leave it. But because we didn't... you'll just have to find out for yourself. That's the way IT IS. (Just can't get away from that Zen, Kabbalah and Sufism). Now that's a real. Enjoy them.

 

[Skad]

I don't suppose anyone could persuade Kali and Artemis to turn up, I'd love to meet them?

I'm with Kate on this one.